Orchid《兰花图轴》

Chen Yuansu (dates unknown)
Chen Yuansu, courtesy name Gubai, also known as Xiaoping and Jingan, with the pseudonym Su Weng and Chukuo Xiansheng, was from Changzhou (present-day Suzhou), Jiangsu. After failing the provincial examination in the 34th year of Wanli (1606), he dedicated himself to calligraphy and painting, also excelling in poetry and prose, earning fame during his time. He was skilled in landscape painting with a clear and distant brushwork and was particularly good at painting orchids. His orchid leaves curved gracefully, and ink flowers overflowed with elegance, capturing the refined essence of Wen Zhengming. His calligraphy was strong and clear, with his regular script following Ouyang Xun, and his running-cursive script inspired by the two Wangs and Wen Zhengming. His talent was well-regarded, attracting many followers.

“Orchid”(1610)
This early work by Chen Yuansu, although slightly immature, displays elegant orchid leaves exuding an otherworldly charm, vividly expressing a refined atmosphere. The inscription reads: “Painted in the late winter of the year Gengxu, Chen Yuansu.” The seals include “Seal of Chen Yuansu” in white and “Xiaoping” in red. Another inscription on the lower left reads: “Ten years ago, I saw a beautiful woman in Jinling painting orchids. I imitated it playfully, resembling a maid dressed as a lady, overwhelmed by ornaments. Not seeking fame, you inscribed it, soaring its value. Summer of Dingmao year, re-inscribed by Su.” The seal below the inscription reads “Seal of Chen Jingang” in white. The painting bears additional inscriptions by renowned collectors, including Ge Yingtian, Xue Mingyi, and Han Daoheng, adding to its value.

陈元素，生卒年不详，字古白，一字孝平，又字金刚，号素翁、处廓先生，长洲（今江苏苏州）人。万历三十四年（1606）乡试不第，遂专心书画，亦长于诗文，以诗文书画知名于时。绘画工山水，笔墨清远，尤善写兰，兰叶偃仰，墨花横溢，得文徵明之秀逸，为王榖祥、周天球所不及。书法清劲，楷书法欧阳询，行草宗二王、文徵明。才名藉甚，一时名辈多从之游。

此兰花图轴是陈元素早年之作，虽稍显稚嫩，然兰叶优雅，超然出尘，雅逸之气跃然纸上。款署：“庚戌深冬对雨作，陈元素。”款下钤白文“陈元素印”、朱文“孝平”二章。画左下有重题款：“十年前见一金陵丽人画兰，戏效之，殊似婢作夫人，不胜罗绮。不图诂名，公为题咏，顿翔其贾。丁卯夏重题，素。”款下钤白文“陈金刚印”章。画上有葛应典、薛明益、韩道亨等五位名家题跋，弥足珍贵。