Snowy Mirror Reflection at Songlai Pavilion
Lu Yin & Gao Fenghan
Qing Dynasty
- MEDIUM:Color on half paper and half silk
- FORMATS:Hanging scroll
- DIMENSIONS:Height 150 cm; Width 83 cm
Introduction
The portrait of Gao Fenghan in this painting was created by his disciple Lu Yin. At the time, Gao Fenghan was 55 years old and serving as an official in Taizhou, enjoying a period of success. In the portrait, Gao Fenghan wears a blue hat and red robe; his striking features include a frost-white beard, a mink-lined sleeve, and golden cloud decorations on his outer garment, all reflecting a luxurious style. His brows and eyes reveal the presence of a great scholar and noble gentleman. However, that summer, Gao Fenghan’s official career faced setbacks, and his right hand became disabled. Thereafter, he diligently practiced painting with his left hand. By the end of the lunar year, he was able to paint freely and skillfully. Consequently, on the back of the portrait, he carefully added a cold winter scene of pine and snow, symbolizing his own resilient spirit and lofty character through the pine’s endurance and the snow’s purity. He inscribed: “Songlai Pavilion Snow Scene Mirror Reflection, signed by Lao Fu（myself）with left hand.”
The painting also contains four inscriptions by Gao Fenghan himself and bears twelve of his personal seals, demonstrating his deep satisfaction with this work.
