The Red Cliff, 1813, Qian Du, Chinese, 1763 - 1844, 35 3/4 x 10 3/8 in. (90.81 x 26.35 cm) (image), Ink and colors on silk, China, 19th century, Born into an important family in Hangchou, Qian Du was brought up on the literary classics. He was also able to study directly from ancient paintings and calligraphy in his father's study. This painting of a scholar in a boat drifting past a rocky outcropping illustrates one of the most famous Song dynasty poems: Su Shi's (1037-1101) 'Meditations on Red Cliff.' The artist has included the entire verse in this small scroll; it reads in part