The Chinese often use the expression du hua, "to read a painting," in connection with their study and appreciation of such works. This volume closely "reads" thirty-six masterpieces of Chinese painting from the encyclopedic collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in order to reveal the major characteristics and themes of this rich pictorial tradition. The book examines multiple layers of meaning--style, technique, symbolism, past traditions, and the artist's personal circumstances--through accessible texts and numerous large color details. A dynastic chronology, map, and list of further readings supplement the text.

Spanning a thousand years of Chinese art, these landscapes, flowers, birds, figures, religious subjects, and calligraphies illuminate the main goal of every Chinese artist: to capture not only the outer appearance of a subject but also its inner essence.

Published in association with The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Exhibition Schedule:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (March 1 - August 10, 2008)

Author: Maxwell K. Hearn
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art New York
Published: 08/01/2008
Series: Metropolitan Museum of Art - How to Read
Pages: 184
Weight: 2.25lbs
Size: 12.00h x 9.30w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9780300141870


Review Citation(s):
Choice 01/01/2009

About the Author

Maxwell K. Hearn is Douglas Dillon Curator, Department of Asian Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.