Old Man of the Southern Pole (under tree) 1646

This is "Old Man of the Southern Pole (under tree)" by Kano Sansetsu, created with ink, color, and gold leaf on paper, and held here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The dominant visual experience is a shimmering gold background against which we see a gathering of figures beneath a stylized pine. Sansetsu masterfully uses line and color to define form, creating a composition that is both decorative and deeply symbolic. The figures, rendered with precise brushwork, are set against a gold leaf background that flattens the space and enhances the painting's iconic quality. Through semiotic analysis, the symbols of pine trees which represent longevity, and the depiction of wise men which represent knowledge, invite us to meditate on themes of wisdom and transcendence. The artwork destabilizes traditional notions of depth and perspective, opting for a composition that emphasizes surface and pattern. This challenges the viewer to engage with the painting on multiple levels, appreciating its aesthetic beauty while also contemplating its underlying philosophical themes.