Landscapes by Wang Yuanqi, hanging scroll; ink and wash on paper; Qing Dynasty

Influenced by Dong Qichang, who advocated literati paintings and depreciated professional paintings, a large number of literati painters sprang up in the early Qing Dynasty, among whom Wang Shimin, Wang Jian, Wang Hui and Wang Yuanqi were praised highly by the rulers and known as "Four Wangs" in the early Qing Dynasty. This  ink painting scroll of Landscapes is a masterpiece of Wang Yuanqi, the youngest among the "Four Wangs". 

Wang Yuanqi was born in Taicang, Jiangsu. He was the grandson of Wang Shimin, leader of the "Four Wangs". He studied painting techniques from his grandfather and Wang Jian since childhood and began to work as a professional painter in the imperial court after he passed the imperial examination in the Ninth Year of Kangxi’s Reign. Wang Yuanqi was devoted to imitating works of ancient styles all his life. He integrated Huang Gongwang's essence and spirit with his traditional and graceful appeal, dignified and dense vigor of stroke, which is known as the "vajra pestle at the brush point". This  painting was created by Wang Yuanqi at the age of seventy-three. Layers of mountain ridges, majestic demeanor, plunging waterfall, winding mountain footpath through high peaks, mountain creeks, cabins by water, boat and ancient ferry in the painting constitute a lively scene of life in mountains.