The Song Dynasty was one of the golden ages of Chinese painting, and Confucian aesthetics had a particularly profound influence on painting during this period. The core ideas of benevolence, etiquette, and moderation emphasized by Confucianism permeated artistic creation, shaping the painting style of the Song Dynasty with lofty character and literati temperament.
The Confucian idea of people-oriented benevolence is one of the core values of traditional Chinese culture, and in the art of painting, this idea was profoundly embodied in the Song Dynasty. The people-oriented idea of benevolence emphasizes paying attention to human nature and promoting benevolence, which has a positive impact on the expression of characters and emotions in Song Dynasty paintings.
In the paintings of the Song Dynasty, the main themes were figures, and the painters tried to show benevolence through the depiction of human figures. Unlike previous periods, Song Dynasty paintings focused more on the inner qualities of the figures, rather than simply depicting their appearances. Through delicate expressions and gestures, the painters show the emotional world of the characters, making it easier for the viewer to feel the true feelings of the characters in the paintings.
Confucianism emphasized benevolence and human relationships, which was reflected in the increase in family scenes and depictions of family affection in Song Dynasty paintings. Family has become one of the important themes created by the artists, and the warm atmosphere of family is conveyed by depicting scenes of family affection and harmony between family members. This family-centered expression not only reflects the concern for life of Confucian benevolence, but also allows the viewer to feel the warmth of family affection when viewing the paintings.
Confucianism also emphasized the cultivation of human morality, which was often seen in Song Dynasty paintings with works on the theme of literati and Confucian scholars. Through the portrayal of literati, these works show their noble character and lofty ideological realm. By expressing the literati's academic cultivation and the way of dealing with the world, the painters conveyed the guidance and enlightenment of the idea of benevolence to the moral cultivation of human beings.
The Confucian idea of human-centered thought also prompted painters to pay more attention to the spiritual expression of human figures in painting. Through brush and ink, the painters strive to depict the rich emotions in the hearts of the characters and emphasize the deep connotation of the characters. This focus on spiritual expression makes it easier for the viewer to empathize with and feel the emotional resonance of the characters in the painting.
The idea of human-centered benevolence had a profound impact on Song Dynasty painting. In terms of character depiction, family scenes, literati images, etc., the painters integrated Confucian benevolence into their paintings through artistic techniques, making the paintings more humanistic and emotionally rendered, which became the unique charm of Song Dynasty paintings.
Confucian etiquette advocates the style of a gentleman and pursues a noble moral realm. In Song Dynasty paintings, painters incorporated the style of ritual and music into their artistic creations through delicate depictions and profound expressions. The scenes presented in the paintings, such as the elegant study room and the tranquil landscape, all demonstrate an artistic pursuit of both elegance and vulgarity, and promote the style of etiquette and music.
The Confucian idea of moderation advocates "neutrality without disadvantages" and pursues moderation and balance. This concept is fully embodied in Song Dynasty paintings. Painters pursue harmonious artistic effects through the layout of the picture and the matching of colors. The aesthetic concept of the golden mean made Song Dynasty paintings pay more attention to the overall balance and rhythm of the picture, presenting an artistic style that is both solemn and elegant, but also lively and lively.
Confucianism emphasized the literati style, and the rise of literati painting in the Song Dynasty was inseparable from Confucianism. Painters express their emotional realm by painting landscapes, flowers and birds. Under the influence of Confucianism, literati painting paid more attention to the pursuit of artistic conception, emphasizing the internalization of emotions and the expression of artistic conception. This makes Song Dynasty painting not only a depiction of objective scenes, but also an expression of the inner realm.
Confucian aesthetic thought not only inherited the essence of traditional culture in Song Dynasty painting, but also carried out innovative development. Painters not only pay attention to the reference of traditional classics in their paintings, but also give new connotations to their works through personalized expression. The combination of inheritance and innovation of traditional culture makes the paintings of the Song Dynasty not only have a profound heritage of tradition, but also present distinctive characteristics of the times.
The influence of Confucian aesthetics on Song Dynasty painting was multifaceted and profound. In terms of shaping artistic style, promoting humanistic feelings, and pursuing noble character, Confucianism has injected unique cultural connotations into Song Dynasty paintings, making Song Dynasty paintings a part of Chinese art history
