
How to Read Chinese Paintings
Maxwell K. Hearn(Author)
Yale University Press
Published on 1. August 2008
Book
Paperback/Softback
184 pages
978-0-300-14187-0 (ISBN)
Description
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)
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)
Reviews / Votes
"Ingeniously conceived as a manual for those unfamiliar with or daunted by Chinese painting, this volume offers splendid photographic details of thirty-six works of painting and calligraphy in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. . . . Hearn invokes the literati practice of 'reading a painting' (du hua), imbuing the learning process with a balance between intellectual gravitas and playful enjoyment."-Nixi Cura, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African StudiesMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
175 color illus., including 1 map
Dimensions
Height: 303 mm
Width: 238 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
1016 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-300-14187-0 (9780300141870)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Maxwell K. Hearn is Douglas Dillon Curator, Department of Asian Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.