Wang Yuanqi

Wang Yuanqi was a Chinese painter of the Qing dynasty, who was born in Taicang, Jiangsu province. He was tutored in painting by his grandfather Wang Shimin, one of the Four Wangs who represented the orthodox school of painting in the Ming and early Qing periods. Wang Yuanqi followed the dicta laid down by Dong Qichang, who advocated the creative transformation of the styles of past masters. Wang Yuanqi was also a court official and a curator of the imperial collection during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor. He was known for his landscape paintings that combined the techniques of dry brush strokes, ink washes, and color patterns. He often imitated the styles of Yuan dynasty artists such as Huang Gongwang and Wang Meng, but also added his own innovations and personal expressions. He was a member of the Six Masters of the early Qing period, also known as the Four Wangs, a Wu and a Yun. He was highly influential in the development of Chinese painting and was praised by later artists and critics. He died at the age of 73 in 1715.