Zhao Mengfu
1254-1322 · Chinese (Yuan Dynasty) · Yuan Dynasty
Known for: Greatest painter-calligrapher of the Yuan Dynasty who revived ancient styles and defined the literati tradition
Zhao Mengfu was a Song imperial descendant who controversially served the Mongol Yuan court. He was a supreme calligrapher, horse painter, and landscape artist who advocated for 'ancient spirit' in painting.
His wife Guan Daosheng was also a celebrated painter. He was diplomatic, cultured, and deeply conflicted about serving foreign rulers.
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