Exploring the Scenery of Xixia《栖霞揽胜图卷》

Xiao Yuncong (1596–1673)
Xiao Yuncong, courtesy name Chimou, and pseudonyms Mosi and Wumen Daoren, among others, was from Wuhu, Anhui. He excelled in landscape painting, drawing inspiration from the famous artists of the Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, and developed his own unique style. His brushwork was clear, sparse, and elegant, influencing the painting style of the Wuhu area and forming the “Gushu School.” His close friend, Hongren, one of the four monk-painters of the early Qing dynasty, was also influenced by Xiao Yuncong’s early landscapes.

“Exploring the Scenery of Xixia”
Xiao Yuncong’s landscapes primarily employed the clean, vigorous, and sparse brushwork of Xia Gui, incorporating the techniques and composition of the Song and Yuan masters. He adeptly combined natural elements into his works, having an endless reservoir of landscapes in his mind, often creating long handscrolls. This long scroll, depicting the beautiful scenery of Xixia, showcases his square and dry brushwork, with sparse, elegant, and robust tones. The varied and complex arrangement of hills and valleys, and the depth of space presented by the rocks and trees, convey a profound sense of depth. The inclusion of figures, boats, and carts adds a lively touch to the otherwise serene landscape. The inscription reads “Elder of Zhongshan, Xiao Yuncong,” a pseudonym used in his later years, indicating this work was created in his later years.

萧云从(1596—1673)，字尺木，号默思、无闷道人等，安徽芜湖人。善画山水，师法唐宋元明诸名家，自成一格。笔墨清疏苍秀，饶有逸致，影响了家乡芜湖地区画家的绘画风格，形成了“姑孰画派”。萧云从的挚友、清初四画僧之一弘仁的早期山水亦受其影响。

萧云从的山水主以夏圭清润清劲萧疏的笔法为基调，融宋元诸家笔墨与丘壑于一体，又能师法造化，故胸中有无尽丘壑，喜作连绵长卷。此作即是他以栖霞美景为题材创作的长卷，行笔方折枯瘦，格调疏秀苍润。其间丘壑布置，千变万化，层出不穷，岩石林木的表现深厚坚实，穿插有致，呈现出空间的深度。画中间绘舟车人物，在寂静为主调的山水中平添了积分生意。款属“钟山老人萧云从”，“钟山老人”是其晚年的号，故可知此作为其晚年所作。