Wang Hui's Chinese Landscapes at the Met Challenge Western Connoisseurship
The exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to Wang Hui (1632-1717) showcases unique approaches to understanding Chinese art. Jason Kuo's collection, 'Perspectives on Connoisseurship of Chinese Painting,' examines the differences between Chinese and European art critique. While European figures like Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665) crafted distinctive styles, Wang Hui's creations, including 'Reading Next to the Window in the Mountains' (1666) and 'The Colors of Mount Taihang' (1669), draw inspiration from earlier artists. This can complicate interpretation for Western audiences, particularly with Wang's 1684 piece 'Layered Rivers and Tiered Peaks.' The exhibition emphasizes that a specialized understanding of China's artistic heritage is essential, as illustrated by works like 'Landscape after Wang Meng’s “Travelers amid Autumn Mountains.”'
Key facts
- The exhibition features the art of Chinese painter Wang Hui (1632-1717).
- It was held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- The show invites comparison with European old masters, specifically Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665).
- A Poussin landscape exhibition was held at the Met in the spring prior to this show.
- Wang Hui's development involved imitating earlier Chinese masters, unlike Poussin's pursuit of a unique style.
- Key works include 'Reading Next to the Window in the Mountains' (1666) and 'The Colors of Mount Taihang' (1669).
- The anthology 'Perspectives on Connoisseurship of Chinese Painting,' edited by Jason Kuo, provides context.
- The exhibition highlights the distinct challenges of connoisseurship for Chinese ink painting versus European art.
Entities
Artists
- Wang Hui
- Nicolas Poussin
- Wang Meng
- Dong Yuan
- Jason Kuo
Institutions
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- artcritical
Locations
- New York
- United States