Rustic Retreat in a Thatched House behind Pines

An old, tall pine tree stands on a rocky hill, behind which is a waterfront pavilion where two scholars sit in conversation. The artist added a long inscription to help in appreciating the landscape. The first paragraph describes the pleasure of a secluded life: meeting with good friends in remote mountains and indulging in wine and music at leisure. The second paragraph notes that the artist was inspired by the styles of two legendary painters of the distant past: Li Sixun (653–718) of the Tang dynasty, who is credited with establishing the “blue-and-green” landscape style; and the Song dynasty master Li Gonglin (1049–1106), who is reputed to be the first to add figures to landscapes.