Professor CSA Print Zhao Yong 085 Zhao Yong (1289-1360)

The composition presents a landscape dominated by layered, stylized hills rendered in shades of green and blue. These formations occupy most of the pictorial space, creating a sense of depth achieved through overlapping planes rather than linear perspective. A dense canopy of trees crowns the highest point, its dark foliage contrasting with the lighter tones of the sky visible between branches.
Scattered across the landscape are small figures engaged in various activities – some appear to be travelers or scholars, others seem to be tending to livestock. Their scale is deliberately diminished relative to the environment, emphasizing humanity’s place within a vast and enduring natural world. The artist has employed a loose brushstroke technique, particularly evident in the rendering of foliage and rock formations, which lends a sense of spontaneity and movement to the scene.
The foreground features a textured surface that suggests a field or meadow, with subtle indications of vegetation. A path winds its way through the landscape, inviting the viewer’s eye deeper into the composition. The overall effect is one of tranquility and harmony, evoking a traditional Chinese aesthetic appreciation for natures beauty and the contemplative life.
The presence of inscriptions in vertical columns along the right edge suggests this work may be part of a larger scroll or series, potentially accompanied by poetic commentary or textual explanations related to the depicted scene. The text itself hints at a connection with figures or institutions associated with humanistic studies and artistic patronage.