Introduction:
 
Zhang Zenglou is one of the great pupils under Wang Xisan. The title of this work is Golden Autumn. See more the artist, click here.
 
In this work, the artist depicts mountains and rivers in autumn from near to distance from a first-person view. The mountain structure is painted with black ink as the main structure of the painting. With various shades of gold and orange colors, this painting is to be delineated the prosperous and lively color of autumn from a different angle, unveiling the romantic side of autumn. However, the author does not appraise autumn as a touch of melancholy. By contrast, he yearns for the elegant temperament of the autumn, as well as a calm and comfortable emotion. The blue embellishment of the front painting balances the harmony of the whole picture so that each part will not be excessively prominent.
 
On the reverse side, the painting with the artist's signature "小宣 "is painted with a first-person view. Yet, the author appreciates the autumn scenery from a different perspective. The artist intently uses blue to divide the picture into two sections, supplemented by gold and orange. These separate sections express distinct meaning from the artist. Compared to the calmer and cozier front, the reverse shows the interaction among various elements, such as rocks, mountains, rivers, cruise ships, etc. Overlapping elements increases the visual tension, leading the different author's moods on another side for autumn. Many contradictory feelings and opposite existences are within the artist's spirit. This controversy constitutes the uniqueness of this season for Zhang Zenlou. In turn, the conflicting scene in the lower part underlined the vastness of the valley in the upper section. Perhaps, the upper side is the way the author releases his melancholy and sorrowful relief, from conflict to harmony and ease.
 
Throughout the entire work, the various elements are properly matched. The proportions and spaces of the painting are exhibited at the right level. Each line, area, light, shade, and texture are handled in great detail. The wood color of the stopper also matches the theme of the work and puts the finishing touch on this snuff bottle. This work is indeed a masterpiece of Zhang Zenglou.
 
For more details of the Art appreciation for this artwork, click here.