MA YUAN: “Walking on a mountain path in spring”, 1127 - 1279 - chalk on paper - Taipei, National Palace Museum.

“Outside, the fog has risen, the dark mountains have faded, the murmur of the rushing River resonates in your head and that is enough ”

Gao Xingjian, the mountain of the soul

This work of Ma Yuan is one of the unquestionable masterpieces of the Chinese Art. As in many other of his compositions made “in corner”, Ma Yuan uses the emptiness as an element in the composition, resulting in a sensationally suggestive effect. In a contemplative attitude, the monk observes the landscape that the artist has occulted to us. The branches of the willow, crowned by the presence of a small bird painted with great realism, embrace the scene in an effect of great beauty and intensity