明　文徵明　致丈人吳愈書　冊頁|Letter to the artist’s father-in-law, Wu Yu

Wen Zhengming

datable to 1506–10 · Album leaf; ink on patterned paper · Asian Art

In the mid-sixteenth century, Wen Zhengming dominated the cultural life of Suzhou with his significant talents in poetry, painting, and calligraphy. This letter shows a different side of Wen, when he was young and his star was still on the rise. Writing in his mid-thirties to his father-in-law, he assumes the tone not of a leading cultural figure but a deferential and respectful junior. The fancy stationery with plum blossom design is another sign that Wen wanted his letter to make a good impression.

Artist

Wen Zhengming

Date

datable to 1506–10

Medium

Album leaf; ink on patterned paper

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of John M. Crawford Jr., 1988