Two Scholars Versifying

Description

Born to an impoverished family in Fujian province, Hua Yan, also known as Xinluo Shanren, settled in Yangzhou, where he earned his living as a professional painter and a reputation as one of the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou. Fond of drawing on the heritage of the old masters, his early figure paintings were influenced by the style of Chen Hongshou, but his style changed when he turned to painting as a professional career. This painting of two scholars versifying and drinking tea in the shade of a tree demonstrates Hua's sophisticated style. The figures of the scholars and the servant are painted with smooth lines reminiscent of the style of Chen Hongshou. In depicting the scholars versifying, Hua not only portrays the physical appearance of the figures but also captures their lofty spirit; because of their important status, the two scholars are depicted larger than the servant, even though he occupies a more prominent position in the painting. The rock in the foreground is painted using the lanyemiao method (orchid leaf stroke) derived from Ma Hezhi's style. By painting the trees with different foliage in a verdant environment, Hua created a lyrical atmosphere ideal for the presentation of versifying scholars.

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