Xiao Yuncong 蕭雲從

Xiao Yuncong (1596–1673) was a Chinese painter, calligrapher, and poet of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. He was born in Wuhu, Anhui province, and is best known for his contributions to the literati painting movement, which emphasized personal expression and scholarly ideals. Xiao Yuncong's landscape paintings are characterized by their intricate brushwork and ethereal quality, often depicting the natural beauty of the Jiangnan region. His work had a significant impact on the development of Chinese landscape painting, influencing subsequent generations of artists. In addition to his artistic achievements, Xiao was also a noted poet and calligrapher, further cementing his status as a quintessential scholar-artist of his time. His life spanned a period of great political upheaval, as he witnessed the fall of the Ming dynasty and the rise of the Qing, which deeply influenced his artistic and literary output.