19th century

Wang Xizhi Watching Geese

According to legend, Wang Xizhi, China's most famous calligrapher, was so fond of geese that he would travel for miles to inspect a particularly notable specimen. Chinese critics have suggested that he drew inspiration for his calligraphy by observing the graceful necks of geese. Here, Wang is shown within a landscape setting, enjoying the scenery from a pavilion as a woman walks in his direction with a goose under her arm. Wang Hui (1632-1717/20), whose work this painting is mode after, came from a long line of professional painters and was one of a group of Qing dynasty painters of the Orthodox School known as "The Four Wangs."