Two Aspects Of Landscape Painting In The Late Ming Dynasty Under The Influence Of Xinxue

Under the influence of the late Ming "Mind Studies",Yuan Hongdao proposed the theory of"spirit".It pursues a natural out-flow of the feelings,emphasizing the expression and realization of the true inner self under the guidance of intuition.In the field of landscape painting,Dong Qichang’s painting concept corresponds with the "spirit" theory.His creation,which is well personalized and of rich connotation,is actually a process of expressing his true and special self.On the other hand,the popularity of Mind Studies has shifted the focus on the inner state of mind to the concern about the external standards,and the pursuit of "unique" became the aesthetic trend of the late Ming society.This is also true of landscape painting.There appeared a great number of advocators,among whom are the professional painters as well as those from the lower class like Chen Hongshou,Wu Bin,and Li Shida.Thus,it can be seen that "Mind Studies" has enabled the late Ming landscape painting to take on both the "implicit" and "explicit" features,which are respectively revealed in the works of "the independent spirit" and in the works of the pursuit of "unique".Moreover,these two painting styles are also the result of the interaction of various complex factors.