| 内容简介（英文） | Pine and Rock Ni Yuan-lu (1593-1644) Ming Dynasty Ni Yuan-lu (style name Ju-yu and sobriquets Hung-pao and Yuan-k’o) was a native of Shann-yu, Chekiang. After receiving his chin-shih civil service degree in 1622, he went on to serve as Minister of Rites. In 1644, however, the Ming dynasty fell to the invading Manchus and Ni committed suicide rather than serve the new rulers. Ni’s poetry and writing was known for its extraordinary qualities; he was also a gifted calligrapher in running and small regular scripts as well as a painter of rocks-and –pines and flowers. In this painting, a majestic pine rises vertically to stand in the middle of the scroll. A solemn rock serves as the only background motif. The use of brushwork here is especially quick and spontaneous, especially in the representation of the needles. In fact, it appears that Ni Yuan-lu has adapted the powerful brushwork of the calligrapher for this painting, creating a force that strikes to the heart of the subject. Heavy washes of ink were used for the rock, and the contrast between them and the background help bring out the details as well as depth and realism. This painting was donated to the National Palace Museum by Mr. T’ai Ching-nung. |
