University of Alberta Museums Search

Item Details

Accession Number 2004.19.72.1 Title Album Leaf from Figures in River Landscapes Category albums Object Type album leaf Artist Wang Gai Date Made 1702 Place Made China Culture Chinese Period Qing 18th century Materials ink and colour on paper Description

This is the first leaf from the Figures in River Landscape album by Wang Gai (1677-1705), which is painted with ink and colour on paper. Each leaf contains a landscape, which was painted in situ by Wang Gai. Repeating…

This is the first leaf from the Figures in River Landscape album by Wang Gai (1677-1705), which is painted with ink and colour on paper. Each leaf contains a landscape, which was painted in situ by Wang Gai. Repeating themes throughout the album include figures immersed in the natural environment, which reflects the literati’s yearning and nostalgia.

In this scene a man walks towards a stone bridge which spans a small creek within a larger body of water. He is alone in this painting which evokes a feeling of peaceful solace. The trees, rocks, and other natural elements are sharper and darker in the foreground, fading into a mist in the background. This ink gradient technique, combined with light, translucent colours in the male figure and bridge, create an overall tranquil effect.

Read More + Credit Line Gift of Sandy and Cécile Mactaggart