Playing the Qin in a Secluded Valley1548 · Study 1969.60

Context from the museum

The poem inscribed in this painting reads: "Ten thousand layered lofty mountains are presented to the cultivated eye, A thousand feet of cascading falls cleanse the dusty heart. May the harmonies of my red-stringed tune Be the humble answer to the pine wind's ancient song." Different versions of this painting exist. Scholars have suggested that the solid renderings of the rock masses and the volumetric mountain configurations as seen here appear more characteristic of Lu Zhi 陸治 (1496–1576), Wen Zhengming's pupil.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

In paintings, Chinese literati often play the instrument in a landscape setting, as the sound of the qin symbolizes harmony between man and nature.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected overall measurement for Playing the Qin in a Secluded Valley is 50.5 cm wide and 132 cm high, equivalent to approximately 19.9 × 52.0 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.38:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.67 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 16.8% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 124.8 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Playing the Qin in a Secluded Valley in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, hanging scroll; ink and light color on paper, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 50.5 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?