博
Artist: Ren Yi (1840-1895)
Date: Qing (1644-1911)
Dimensions: Height 157.8 cm, Width 47.2 cm
Material: Ink and color on paper
Gift of Sun Yufeng and Wang Defeng
Ren Yi (1840-1895), originally named Run, was also known by his zi (designated name) Xiaolou. He later changed his zi to Bonian. Native to Shanyin (present-day Shaoxing, Zhejiang province), he sold his painting for a living in Shanghai. Adept in painting figures in tales, portraits, flowers, and birds, he was one of the "Four Masters of Shanghai" and "Four Rens of Shanghai". The painting depicts a fisherman standing on a mountain overlooking the water, gazing into the distance. The artist employs a diagonal composition, using the slope of the cliff to shape the fisherman's tall, monumental figure. He seems to transcend the mere act of fishing and stand with lofty detachment. The brushwork is bold and vividly expressive.
