Nanjing was layered with the ruins of fallen dynasties, from temples and city walls to ancient trees, and when the Ming was violently overthrown in 1644 its artists added one more layer of loss. About 100 works, many inspired by gifts from collectors Julia and John Curtis, show painters turning nostalgia and upheaval into landscapes and city views from the 1640s to the 1680s. If Chinese painting feels remote, this gives it a gripping human story.
What to expect
Expect hanging scrolls, handscrolls and album leaves in hushed galleries lit low to protect works on paper and silk. The show introduces the period's key figures, genres and styles, with views of the city and literati landscapes that reward slow looking.
Good to know
- Head to Galleries 210–216 at The Met Fifth Avenue
- Works on paper and silk are kept in low light, so give your eyes a minute to adjust
- Handscrolls unfold scene by scene, so allow extra time
- Suits fans of landscape painting, poetry and Chinese history
- Nearest subway is the 4/5/6 at 86th Street
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Common questions
What happened in 1644?
The Ming dynasty was violently overthrown and the Qing took its place, a rupture that shaped Nanjing's art.
Is it included with admission?
Yes. The Met lists it as free with Museum admission.
