A house built on pilings overlooks the river while trees help define the earthen hills spread along the course of the river. The very simplicity of the subject, and the lack of exciting narrative, turns attention to the means by which the painting was created, and it is thus that we come to understand the expertise with which the artist wielded his brush and applied ink. The style is very close to that of Dong Qichang (1555–1636), who in fact was teacher of the present artist, Yang Wencong.
The inscription on the painting indicates that it was painted for Wugong, the by-name of Zhu Shilu, who received his jinshi degree in 1595. At the time this fan and a handscroll from the same date were painted by Yang, Zhu Shilu was the official in charge of examinations in the south; since Yang was then studying for the examinations, and would receive his juren degree in 1619, it seems clear that the artist had good reason to gift his mentor with such treasures.
NOTE: See Japanese painter, Yamamoto Baiitsu (1783–1856) in the present exhibition (no. 16), illustrated below for his painting “Landscape after Yang Wencong 1824”, based on Yang Wencong.
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