Whiling Away the Summer in the Shade of Pines 《松陰消夏圖》

Zhe School 浙派 · 15th century

This large hanging scroll features a tall peak in the upper right corner towering over a rocky ridge with pines and pavillions below. An official (based upon clothing and headgear) stands on a terrace gazing at the view. The significant landscape elements are weighted diagonally in the lower right corner of the composition. The depiction of an official in a summer retreat surrounded by the beauty of nature and grand architecture is an idealized vision that would appeal to Ming academy painters.