Wu Xizai

Wu Xizai was an artist active during the period spanning 1799 through 1858. Based on documented surviving works, their practice focused primarily on natural subjects, including detailed botanical studies, depictions of fauna, and general landscape compositions.

The artist’s verifiable output, as represented in major American institutions, includes five works, consisting of four paintings and one additional work type. These compositions are held in significant collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, establishing the historical credibility of the artist’s output.

Among the specific works preserved in museum collections are the paintings Nutgrass Grows on the Southern Hills, Apricot, Cicada, and Narcissus, Fungus, and Nandina. These detailed pieces suggest a specialization in close observation of nature. The collection is further rounded out by the broader composition titled Landscape.

Due to the period of their activity, many of the original Wu Xizai paintings are now available in the public domain. This accessibility allows researchers and collectors to obtain high-quality prints and reproductions, ensuring the continued study and appreciation of Wu Xizai prints and their contributions to the tradition of depicting natural studies.