Chen Shuren

Chen Shuren was a Chinese painter of the Qing Dynasty who lived in Mingjing, Panyu, Guangdong. He was orphaned at a young age and showed talent in poetry and painting. He married Fang Wanyi, a poet and painter, and had two sons who also became artists. He studied painting under Jin Nong, a famous poet and artist, and developed a unique personal style. He painted people, Buddhist images, plum with bamboo, flowers, and scenery paintings. He refused government service to live a life of poverty selling paintings. He was the youngest of the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou, a group of unconventional artists who challenged the orthodox style of painting. He often visited Beijing, where he caused a sensation with his paintings of ghosts, which he claimed to have seen with his own eyes. He died at the age of sixty-six and was buried in Yangzhou. He was regarded as one of the most influential painters of his time and his works are highly valued by collectors and museums.