| “Ancient” is a feature of traditional Chinese painting,which can be interpreted as “gentle and kind” or “plain and simple.” It is not only an “old-fashioned”painting style,but also an attitude of embracing the universe and seeing the nature of creations.This paper looks into the essence of tradition Chinese painting by applying philosophical and literary ideology.Chinese painting has a long history of inheritance.Generations learn the spirit and technique,and pass them along through time with development and innovation.The research subject of the paper is Chen Hongshou who displayed the beauty of“ancient” in his artworks.This paper studies Chen’s own literary and art ideology,covering different painting styles such as landscape,flower-birds,and figure paintings.Chen didn’t only pursue the spirit of “ancient” in his art career but also practiced the drawing techniques such as the use of ink and color,as well as composition,which form the artistic conception of “ancient.” He was an advocator of the “ancient” who learned from the ancient and developed his own understanding on the basis without being restrained.Chen’s experience gives us an example that shows the importance of learning from the “ancient” in the development of tradition Chinese painting.Some of Chen’s classic works are subtle and elegant that reveals the qualities such as calm and ease,gentle and amiable,peace and humble.Even though these qualities are ancient,they still have strong impact to the current society,which is criticized for its complication and fickleness. |
