forgery of Elegant Gathering of the West Garden by Qiu Ying (1494–circa 1552), unknown maker from China

Exhibition Label: "The Art of Stories Told," Jun-2004, Veronica de Jong During the eleventh century, the scholar-painter Wang Shen (ca. 1048-ca. 1103) invited many celebrated men to his splendid garden to enjoy the cultivated arts of their class, including painting, music, and calligraphy. The events of the day were apparently painted by one of the guests Li Gonglin (ca. 1041-1106) who is said to have captured each person’s likeness within the garden setting. Mi Fu (1051-1107), another participant, wrote a detailed account of the day, describing what people wore, where they stood, and what they did. Because many of the participants were famous scholars, politicians and artists of their time, this gathering was popularly reproduced by later generations. It was particularly fashionable with the residents of Suzhou, a city celebrated for its beautiful gardens and canals. Qiu Ying lived in Suzhou for many years and is known to have painted several versions of this popular story. He was a highly respected painter and so his works were often copied during and after his lifetime. This composition comprises various groups of figures that create a meandering pattern up the scroll that leads the viewer into the misty distance. The landscape elements like the large pine in the foreground, bridge in middle distance, and mountain slope in the distance assist in directing the viewer’s gaze through the painting.