Old Trees by a Wintry Brook

Wen Zhengming’s “Old Trees by a Wintry Brook” was completed in 1551. It is a hanging scroll using ink and light color on paper. The work belongs to the Ming dynasty period.

The painting depicts a solitary landscape with gnarled trees and a brook, captured in a palette dominated by subtle ink tones. The scroll measures over one meter in height.

Wen Zhengming was active during the Ming dynasty and was known for his contributions to painting, calligraphy, and poetry. He lived in Suzhou for most of his life.

Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio, https://clevelandart.org/art/1997.102