Early Autumn in the Lake Mountains《湖山早秋图卷》

Qian Weicheng (1720–1772)
Qian Weicheng, originally named Xinlai, with the courtesy name Zongpan and the alternate name Jiaxuan, later adopted the pseudonym Chashan. He was a native of Changzhou, Jiangsu. In 1745, during the 10th year of the Qianlong reign, he achieved the highest rank of zhuangyuan (top scholar) in the imperial examination. By 1748, he was appointed to the Southern Study, serving as a close aide to the emperor. A gifted poet, calligrapher, and painter, Qian’s artistic style appealed to the emperor’s tastes, earning him the title of “court painter-official.” These scholar-officials not only excelled in administrative capabilities but also fulfilled the emperor’s cultural and artistic needs. Qian later held prominent positions such as Vice Minister of Works, Vice Minister of Justice, and various academic posts, where he achieved distinction in legal reforms and the handling of examination fraud cases. In 1772, during the 37th year of the Qianlong reign, Qian died at home at the age of 53 while mourning his father. He was posthumously honored with the title “Wenmin,” a rare and prestigious recognition also granted to renowned masters Zhao Mengfu and Dong Qichang.

“Early Autumn in the Lake Mountains”
This painting portrays a tranquil and sparsely elegant landscape, embodying the poetic charm and spiritual resonance of Wang Yuanqi and Dong Bangda. The painting is noted for its refined composition and serene aesthetic. It bears the Qianlong Emperor’s collection seal and inscriptions, indicating its inclusion in The Precious Collection of the Stone Moat Pavilion and its origins as an imperial collection. The inscription reads: “Respectfully painted by the subject Qian Weicheng,” with two accompanying seals: a white seal “Subject Qian Weicheng” and a red seal “Respectful Service.”

钱维城（1720—1772），初名辛来，字宗磐，一字稼轩，晚号茶山，江苏常州人。乾隆十年（1745）状元，十三年（1748）任职南书房，成为皇帝身边的近臣。因他又长于诗文、书法绘画，风格迎合了皇帝的口味，而成为一名“词臣画家”。词臣画家的身份是文官，他们不但有较强的行政能力，而且充当起皇帝日常的文学艺术侍从，满足了皇帝的文化需求。钱维城后来曾任工部、刑部侍郎及学政等要职，充实刑法、处置科考舞弊案，出色地完成了为官的使命。乾隆三十七年（1772），他奔父丧病卒于家中，享年53岁，赐谥“文敏”。这个谥号可谓极得殊荣，历史上书画宗师赵孟頫、董其昌均被赐以此谥号。

此《湖山早秋图卷》意境萧疏清幽，颇得王原祁、董邦达神韵，颇为可观。上有乾隆皇帝鉴藏印与题跋，被收录于《石渠宝笈》，是宫廷旧藏之物。款署：“臣钱维城敬写。”款下钤白文“臣钱维城”、朱文“敬事”二印。