Pines in the Valley (澗底青松圖)

This painting, titled Pines in the Valley, depicts a scene of pine trees in a valley. In the picture, the pine trees are lush and stand firmly in the valley, surrounded by jagged rocks and steep, layered mountains. The inscription reads: "The green pines in the valley are untouched by dust. Le'an Hailiang inscribed this at his home on Guandi Temple Street." This inscription expresses the artist's admiration for the noble character of the pine trees, noting that although they grow at the bottom of the valley, they remain unpolluted by the mundane world, maintaining their purity and dignity. The signature "Le'an Hailiang" indicates the artist's name. The use of brush and ink in the painting is very skillful. The depiction of the rocks is concise and powerful, with distinct layers that highlight the grandeur and steepness of the mountains. The portrayal of the pine trees is delicate and lively, with a strong sense of layering among the branches and leaves, demonstrating the artist's exceptional sketching skills and deep understanding of nature. This painting, Pines in the Valley, not only showcases the beauty of the natural landscape but also conveys the artist's reverence for noble character and admiration for the spirit of nature. The philosophical and emotional content embedded in the painting gives it profound artistic value and cultural significance.