Ancient Cypress and Cascading Springs《古柏飞泉图轴》

Zhang Yuanju (Dates Unknown)
Courtesy name Maoxian, Zhang Yuanju was a native of Wuxian County (modern-day Suzhou, Jiangsu Province) and the nephew of the renowned calligrapher and painter Chen Daofu. He was highly regarded for his skills in calligraphy and painting, inheriting the traditions of Zheng Ming in calligraphy and Chen Daofu in painting. Zhang excelled in depictions of flowers and birds, capturing their vivid essence with remarkable charm. Known for his selectivity, he often declined commissions, reserving his creativity for moments of inspiration and unrestrained expression, often influenced by the mood of wine.

“Ancient Cypress and Cascading Springs”
This large-scale painting showcases Zhang Yuanju’s mastery of composition and ink techniques. The intricate scene is meticulously structured, presenting a complex yet harmonious multi-layered layout. The atmosphere is imbued with an ancient, verdant serenity, highlighted by mountains, rocks, and ravines.

The brushwork combines bold outlines for trees and rocks with soft, moist strokes for moss and foliage, creating a delicate balance of texture and tone. The sparing use of white space and minimal scratching lends clarity and solemnity to the composition.

At the center of the painting, ancient cypresses emerge from rocky crevices. Their robust, unyielding branches evoke resilience, while the sharp, imposing mountain wall behind them enhances their majesty. Though the mountain is partially obscured, it conveys an impression of towering grandeur. A cascading waterfall weaves through the cypresses and rocks, adding a dynamic energy to the serene landscape and imbuing the scene with a strong artistic appeal.

This work exemplifies Zhang Yuanju’s ability to merge traditional techniques with personal expression, resulting in a piece that is both technically refined and emotionally evocative.

张元举（生卒年不详），字懋贤，著名书画家陈道复外甥，吴县（今江苏苏州）人。邑诸生，书画皆擅，书承文徵明，画得陈道复之传。尤善花鸟，气韵生动。人与金帛请画辄拒，酒酣兴至，则纵笔挥洒。

此画作堪称巨幅，作者构思缜密，精心安排了一个繁而不乱的多层次布局，山石沟壑之间营造出一种苍浑古拙的气象。在笔墨上，以劲厚的墨笔勾勒树石轮廓，潇洒的湿润之笔点染苔叶，少见皴擦，画面黑白分明，疏朗凝重，充分表现了主题意境。古柏奇崛，从石隙中斜挺而出，枝干虬劲，有刚劲不屈之势。柏树后的山体壁立如削，虽没有表现出全貌，却给人以高峻峥嵘的联想。瀑布在古柏、山石间穿过，有一泻千里之势，具有较强的艺术感染力。