How does Shen Zhou's Poet on a Mountaintop represent the essence of Ming literati painting?
A) the loose rendering of a mountain landscape
B) the harmonious blending of mind and nature
C) the emphasis on the solitary man
D) the use of calligraphy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The painting Poet on a Mountaintop by Shen Zhou represents the essence of Ming literati painting due to its harmonious blending of mind and nature. The figure (the poet) is shown deep in thought and contemplation, surrounded by a natural environment that is both majestic and serene. This harmonious blend of human consciousness and the natural world is a key theme in Ming literati painting, and Poet on a Mountaintop exemplifies this aesthetic approach. The loose rendering of the mountain landscape and the use of calligraphy are also common features of Ming literati painting, but they are not as central to its essence as the integration of mind and nature. The emphasis on the solitary man, while present in this painting, is also not as important as the principle of harmony between consciousness and the natural world.

How Does Shen Zhou's Poet on a Mountaintop Represent the Essence