Artwork Page for Paintings after Ancient Masters: Chrysanthemum

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Paintings after Ancient Masters: Chrysanthemum

老蓮橅古: 菊花

1598–1652

Chen Hongshou 陳洪綬

(Chinese, 1598/99–1652)
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Culture
China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Medium
Album leaf; ink and color on silk
Measurements
Overall: 30.2 x 26.7 cm (11 7/8 x 10 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1979.27.2.17
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Poet Tao Yuanming (365–427 CE) turned down a career as an official in politically turbulent times to return to his home estate, northwest of Mount Lu, to write poetry and enjoy his garden and wine. As he grew chrysanthemums, Tao is associated with this flower.

The artist Chen Hongshou, active in Zhejiang province, suffered through the violent transition from the Ming to the Qing dynasty around 1644. This painting of chrysanthemums alludes to the poet who lived a millennium earlier during similarly fraught times.
A square silk painting features a column of Chinese calligraphy and a red seal in the upper left, above another seal in the corner. Against a warm tan background, a chrysanthemum branch arches from the lower left, bearing three pale purple blossoms with dense, thin petals. Dark green, lobed leaves cluster around the flowers. Fine ink outlines and soft, layered washes of color define the delicate floral forms, creating a balanced, elegant composition.

Paintings after Ancient Masters: Chrysanthemum

1598–1652

Chen Hongshou

(Chinese, 1598/99–1652)
China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)

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