Ni Yuanlu

A native of Shangyu, Zhejiang province, Ni achieved the highest degree in the imperial exams in 1622 and held very high positions at the Ming court. He committed suicide upon the occupation of the Ming capital by the invading Qing army in 1644. As a result he was given the posthumous name "Wenzheng" (Literati Honesty). Ni was considered one of the most skilled painters and calligraphers of his day.