Dharma《达摩图轴》

Jin Nong (1687–1763)
Jin Nong, courtesy names Shoumen, Sinong, and Jijin, and the pseudonym Dongxin, had many alternative names, including Jiliu Shanmin, Qujiang Waishi, Ji Mei Zhu, Lotus Body Hermit, and Wealthy Farmer of the 120 Inkstones Field. He was from Qiantang (present-day Hangzhou) but lived in Yangzhou for a long time. Jin Nong was an expert in identifying inscriptions on ancient bronzes and stones, and he created his unique “lacquer script.” He began painting formally after the age of fifty, excelling in plum blossoms, bamboo, figures, and landscapes, with a distinctive, unrefined style, making him a representative painter of the Yangzhou School.

“Dharma” (1762)
This painting by Jin Nong, created at the age of 76, is one of his late works, produced a year before his death. The composition is harmonious and serene, with a detailed portrayal of the Dharma figure, particularly the expressive eyes. The vivid red robe contrasts sharply with the subdued background, enhancing the overall impact. Jin Nong used bold outlines for the figure, with thick, substantial brushstrokes, and softer shading for the background, creating layers of contrast. The painting exudes a transcendent and serene atmosphere, capturing the essence of Dharma’s spirit. The red robe technique originated from Zhao Mengfu and was widely adopted in the late Qing and Republican periods, especially by Zhang Daqian. The inscription reads: “Painted by the 76-year-old Jin Nong.” Below the inscription is the seal “Jin Shi Shoumen.” The lower right corner bears the red collection seal “Collected by Zhang Yunzhong of Shanyin.”

金农（1687—1763），字寿门、司农、吉金，号冬心，别号众多，有稽留山民、曲江外史、稽梅主、莲身居士、百二砚田富翁等，浙江钱塘（今杭州）人，久居扬州。精于鉴别金石书画，工书法，自创“漆书”。五十以后始正式作画，善梅竹、人物、山水，笔法新奇，以古拙淳朴见长，为扬州画派代表画家之一。

此画为金农七十六岁时所作，即其去世前一年，属于晚年之作。作品布局雅正平和，达摩罗汉开脸细致，双目有神。红衣特别鲜艳，与周围淡雅的环境形成了强烈对比。其人物主用勾勒，笔墨淳厚，背景主用渲染，又形成一层对比。整体意境超然闲适，将达摩之精神表现得十分到位。此红衣法当来源于赵孟頫，后在清末民国被广泛取法，张大千尤喜绘制。款署：“七十六叟金农画。”款下钤朱文“金氏寿门”印。画右下角钤有朱文“山阴张允中补萝盦所藏”鉴藏印。