Reminiscences of Qinhuai River1642–1707 · Study 1966.31.8

Context from the museum

This album leaf was probably created in 1695 for a friend Shitao had traveled with to visit ancient sites along the Qinhuai River from the Six Dynasties period. A tiny figure in a boat looks up in awe toward rising mountain masses that form an overhanging cliff, perhaps an image for the overwhelming history of Nanjing. Shitao was born two years before the Ming dynasty fell. A descendant of the first Ming emperor, he later lived in Nanjing, Yangzhou, and Anhui province. Despite his affiliation with the Ming imperial family, he met the Qing dynasty Kangxi emperor twice.

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

A detail to notice

The figure in the boat scans the cliff seeking a glimpse of a final plum blossom of the season.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected image measurement for Reminiscences of Qinhuai River is 20.2 cm wide and 25.5 cm high, equivalent to approximately 8.0 × 10.0 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.79:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.05 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 6.7% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 139.9 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 Reminiscences of Qinhuai River in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Album leaf; ink and color on Song paper, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 20.2 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?