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Visiting a Hermit in the Autumn Mountains
recto overall
recto overall

Visiting a Hermit in the Autumn Mountains

Original Language Title秋山訪隱
Artist Zhang Fu 張復 (Chinese, 1546 - 1630)
Date16th century
MediumHanging scroll; ink and color on silk
DimensionsImage: 58 1/4 × 20 inches (147.96 × 50.8 cm)
Mount: 106 × 20 inches (269.24 × 50.8 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: acquired through the Fortieth Anniversary Fund
Object numberF75-34
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“At twilight, how charming the mountain in its fresh autumn colors.

A rustic cottage stands alone by the encircling stream.

 It might be said books vainly fill the room,

Yet men of distinction are often drawn to visit.”

—Zhang Fu

Zhang Fu expresses his love for autumnal beauty in this towering mountainscape. In the lower left corner, a gentleman (perhaps Zhang himself ) and a servant boy trek toward a hermit’s home. The home is located in a deep mountain valley, echoed by a waterfall and foliage whispering in the wind. While picturing the coolness of nature, Zhang also hints at the warmth of the human world: just ahead lies the hermit’s cottage, filled with books and antiques.

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