Dong Qichang 董其昌
Dong Qichang (–) was a prominent Chinese painter, calligrapher, and art theorist of the late Ming dynasty. Born in Huating, now part of modern-day Shanghai, Dong was a leading figure in the Southern School of painting, which emphasized personal expression and literati ideals over realistic representation. His work and theories significantly influenced the development of Chinese landscape painting, advocating for a synthesis of past styles to create a new, harmonious aesthetic. Dong's calligraphy was equally esteemed, characterized by its elegant and fluid style, which drew inspiration from earlier masters. Throughout his life, Dong held various official positions, which allowed him to engage deeply with the cultural and intellectual currents of his time. His contributions to art theory and practice left a lasting legacy, shaping the trajectory of Chinese art for centuries.
Introduction
Dong Qichang, style name Xuanzai and sobriquet Sibai (also Xiangguang jushi), was a native of Huating (modern Shanghai). He was awarded the Presented Scholar (jinshi) degree in , appointed as a Hanlin Bachelor, eventually reached the post of Minister of Rites at court, and was posthumously given the name Wenmin.
Dong Qichang was not only the leader of art circles in the late Ming dynasty but also a master of his generation who later inspired countless painters and calligraphers. Both his theories and works of art were quite innovative, the realm to which he aspired in tradition called "marvelous at synthesis, divine at departure." In his wide-ranging pursuit of paintings by famous artists of old, Dong developed a new approach to describe the historical development of painting since the Tang dynasty by dividing it into "Northern and Southern Schools." He also transcended traditional boundaries of imitating the ancients by taking the unprecedented step of elevating the abstract beauty of brush and ink into a new visual dynamism. This both gave rise to a unique personal style of painting and expressed his ultimate pursuit in the art of paint
In this work Dong Qichang has created a highly original and revolutionary work. Dong Qichang inscribed this painting in elegant calligraphy, which says that he painted the landscape to give it as a present to a friend, a scholar-official. The inscription translates: `In the dingsi year (), the 15th day of the 9th (lunar) month, I painted (wrote) this as a gift for the envoy Xuayin in the Lezhi garden at Wulin’.
In this arid, lofty landscape, Dong consciously renounces decoration, narrative interest and display of technical skill, which were characteristic of paintings by professional and court painters. It reflects the ideals of scholar-amateur painting – unassuming, bland (pingdan) (subtle), childlike awkwardness and concealment of brilliance.
The human figure, a reminder of the banal and dusty world, is also excluded. In their place, Dong emphasises the tonal and textural gradations of ink and the dynamic movements of form and line, abstract qualities found in calligraphy, and regarded by Chinese scholars as the highest form of visual art. The austere, solitary, semi-abstract landscape does not so much represent an actual place as express the artist’s inner spiritual world.
Biography of Dong Qichang, a calligrapher, the battle between Zhao Mengfu and Dong Qichang
Zhao Mengfu and Dong Qichang are two titans in the field of calligraphy and painting, who have played a role in promoting the development of Chinese painting.
Works by Zhao Mengfu
Zhao Mengfu was a Member of the Yuan Dynasty, dong Qichang was a Ming Dynasty, and both of them had the nickname "Wen Min". Zhao Mengfu, Together with Liu Gongquan, Yan Zhenqing, and Ouyang Qian, he was known as the "Four Great Masters of The Book of Letters". Zhao Mengfu&#;s achievements are far from here, Zhao Mengfu is good at many types of painting, which can be described as an all-rounder. For example, landscapes, flowers, birds, characters and other fields are all good at proficiency. Moreover, in terms of calligraphy, calligraphy, cursive writing, small seals, etc. are very good at it, and the brushwork is neat and rounded, which is called "Zhao Body". Zhao Mengfu&#;s life was bumpy, but the calligraphy and painting works he left behind had a high study value.
Dong Qichang is also an all-rounder in the field of calligraphy and painting, on the basis of the calligraphy
Biographies you may also like
Nobuko takahashi biography template Writing a biography goes beyond compiling facts; it involves crafting a narrative that educates and inspires your readers. This guide provides you with practical steps, style advice, and, importantly, biography templates to assist you in structuring your work g: nobuko takahashi.
Andrew george mp biography examples Andrew George is the Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives, and has been an MP continually since 4 July Find out about the Parliamentary career of Andrew George, Missing: examples.
Napoleon and tabitha biography Tabitha and Napoleon D’umo AKA Nappytabs Biography Over the last two decades, Napoleon and Tabitha have worn many hats in the field of entertainment. They began their careers as .
Viscount slim biography of abraham Sir William Joseph Slim (), army officer, governor-general and author, was born on 6 August at Bristol, England, younger son of John Benjamin Thomas Slim, commercial Missing: abraham.
Bobbi depasois biography template I’ve designed this free biography PowerPoint template to be clean, modern, and easy to navigate. It’s got a cool vibe that’s not too stiff or corporate, but still polished enough to Missing: bobbi depasois.
Jamir howerton biography jamir lee (@basha) on TikTok | 26 Likes. Watch the latest video from jamir lee (@basha).