Ink on gold-flecked paper 16.7*49cm

Wang Shimin (1592-1680), also known by his zi (courtesy name) Xunzhi and his hao (literary names) Yanke and Xilu Laoren, was a native of Taicang, Jiangsu province. A student of Dong Qichang, he specialized in landscape painting and became the leading figure of the “Four Wangs”(alongside Wang Jian, Wang Hui, and Wang Yuanqi). These artists, together with Wu Li and Yun Shouping, are celebrated as the “Six Masters of the Early Qing.”His profound influence on the Orthodox tradition led to his founding of the Loudong School. A man of letters, he was also accomplished in calligraphy and poetry. He is the author of Collected Works of the Xitian Studio(Xitian Ji) and Colophons on Painting from the Xilu Studio(Xilu Huaba).