China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644) / c. 1547–67
Clouds and Waves at the Wu Gorge
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Clouds and Waves at the Wu Gorge as painting (China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644) · c. 1547–67).
This large painting was likely created for a wealthy or powerful family's grand hall to impress their visitors.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as hanging scroll; ink and light color on paper and credits Xie Shichen (Chinese, 1487–after 1567).
The museum's collection notes: This dramatic landscape was probably painted after Xie Shichen returned from a journey in 1547 that took him through various provinces of China, including Sichuan Province in southwest China and sailing the Yangzi River. The composition from a high vantage point offers a view deep into the Wu Gorge where rolling waves put a ship in peril. The scale and composition of this landscape, which was inspired by the majestic mountain scenery in Sichuan Province, as well as Xie’s vigorous brushwork, are exceptional.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtClouds and Waves at the Wu GorgeOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.