is the term applied to a group of painters of the Southern School
during the Ming
period of Chinese history
, and was not an academy or educational institution, but instead was largely by artistic theory of its members. Often classified as Literati
, scholars, or amateur painters (as opposed to professionals), members idealized concepts of personalizing works and integrating the artists into the art. A Wu School painting is characterized by inscriptions describing either the painting, the date, method, or reason for the work, which is usually seen as a vehicle for personal expression. Shen Zhou
(1427-1509) is typically cited as the founder of the Wu School.
Well-known Wu School paintings include:
The Zhe School is usually referenced in opposition to the Wu School.