Autumn the mountain 1699

Shitao made this landscape painting on paper with ink and color. Traditional Chinese painting involved a refined and practiced skillset, a mastery of brushstrokes that had been developed over centuries. This work's monochrome palette influences its tranquil mood, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. Its materiality has close ties to nature, resembling the monochromatic ink landscapes produced by scholar-officials during the Song Dynasty, where painting was viewed as an act of self-cultivation rather than a profession. The paper’s absorbency and texture dictate how the ink bleeds and blends, creating the misty effects. What's really interesting here is how Shitao is engaging with, and transforming these refined traditions. He was a highly innovative artist known for his eccentric style, who challenged established conventions and looked beyond the elitist values of scholar-artists. His work suggests that creativity can come from anyone, not just the educated elite.