Landscape, 17th century, Xiang Shengmo, Chinese, 1597-1658, 9 1/8 x 20 1/2 in. (23.18 x 52.07 cm) (image, sheet), Ink on gold-flecked paper, China, 17th century, This landscape painting is an example of Individualism, a branch of painting in Chinese art that rejected rendering scenes realistically, instead valuing the artists expression through the portrayal of the subject. Here, Xiang Shengmo has painted a sparse, impressionist scene of a mountain and trees; there is very little sign of human activity, aside from a small hut on a plateau on the right side. Xiang was influenced by Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) artist Ni Zan, one of the greatest literati painters of that time, who created his quiet, somber, monochrome paintings in direct defiance of traditional concepts of Chinese painting. He considered self-expression far more important than accurate representation, influencing many Chinese artists that came after him.