Portrait of the Elegant Lady《仕女妙清图轴》

Gu Luo (1763–after 1837)
Gu Luo, courtesy name Yumen, and pseudonym Ximei, was from Qiantang (present-day Hangzhou), Zhejiang. He excelled in various disciplines of calligraphy and painting. His calligraphy was ancient, robust, and round; his landscapes were rich and moist; his flower and bird paintings were bright and lively, with a cheerful style; his depictions of ladies were refined, serene, and elegant, particularly noted for their beauty and grace.

“Portrait of the Elegant Lady” (1800)
This painting features light and elegant brushwork depicting plum blossoms, bamboo, and rocks. The lines are delicate and strong, with an unhurried and free-spirited touch. The narcissus is rendered in meticulous detail, exuding a cool elegance. A lady with slender eyebrows and a narrow waist holds a plum branch in a cutting motion, radiating an antique and refined beauty. The lady’s clothing is painted with simple and ancient lines, with delicate and elegant coloring, combining both primitive and flamboyant qualities, making it a meticulously crafted work.

顾洛（1763—1837后），字禹门，号西梅，浙江钱塘（今杭州）人。工书，绘画诸科皆擅。书法古劲圆厚；山水苍润；花卉、翎毛设色艳丽，格调明快；仕女渊雅静穆，工致妍丽，尤为著名。

此图以淡雅小写意之笔绘梅花竹石，勾勒细劲有力，点染悠闲自在，水仙则以工笔写就，韵味清冷。一女子柳眉细腰，手把梅枝，作折枝状，古雅清丽。仕女衣纹简练高古，设色细腻典雅，古拙艳丽兼而有之，为其精心之作。