Landscapes in the styles of ancient masters

Landscapes in the styles of ancient masters

Wang Jian

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Wang Jian's paintings exemplify the vision of a man steeped in tradition. A member of the educated elite, Wang enjoyed access to the region's numerous private collections as well as inheriting a rich assemblage of old masters from his grandfather Wang Shizhen (1526–1590). This firsthand knowledge of past masterpieces inspired Wang to follow the example of Dong Qichang (1555–1636) in seeking a personal artistic synthesis through the diligent study of "orthodox" models. This album is a virtuoso display of Wang Jian's command over his tradition. Each leaf recalls a specific past master, yet each presents a new solution in which the model is transformed by the smaller, album format as well as by Wang's distinctive brush mannerisms.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Landscapes in the styles of ancient mastersLandscapes in the styles of ancient mastersLandscapes in the styles of ancient mastersLandscapes in the styles of ancient mastersLandscapes in the styles of ancient masters

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.