The Autumn Hunt - Chen Juzhong

A Southern Song Dynasty court painting by Chen Juzhong, depicting an imperial hunting party across an expansive, minimalist plain.

Chen Juzhong was a court painter during the Southern Song Dynasty, known for his depictions of nomadic life and equestrian subjects. This work, presented in the traditional fan-shaped format, captures a scene of imperial activity within a vast, open space. The composition relies on the use of negative space, a characteristic feature of Song period aesthetics, which allows the viewer to focus on the specific actions of the figures rather than a cluttered background.

The scene depicts a group of riders and horses engaged in a hunt. To the left, a lone rider gallops across the terrain, while a larger group, including a figure sheltered by a parasol, occupies the lower right. The figures are rendered with precise, controlled brushwork, typical of the professional painters working for the imperial academy. The muted palette, dominated by earthy tones and subtle washes, reflects the atmospheric conditions of the plains. The silk support has aged to a soft, neutral hue, which unifies the various elements of the composition.

Chen Juzhong specialised in these themes, often drawing upon the cultural exchanges between the Song court and northern nomadic groups. By focusing on the movement of the horses and the posture of the riders, the artist conveys a sense of energy and purpose. The work demonstrates the technical skill required to balance narrative detail with the expansive, minimalist style favoured by the literati and court circles of the time. This print captures the original silk texture and the delicate ink application, providing a clear view of the artist's draftsmanship.