Peng Wei. Migrations of Memory-Wild Geese Descend on Level Sands IV, no. 1, 2021. Album leaf; ink and colors on flax paper, Leaf: 38 x 60 cm (14 15/16 x 23 5/8 in.). Edward L. Whittemore Fund, 2022.5. Copyrighted.

Migrations of Memory-Wild Geese Descend on Level Sands IV, no. 1

2021

Peng Wei

Peng Wei (Chinese, b. 1974)

Chinese Art

Migrations of Memory-Wild Geese Descend on Level Sands IV, no. 1, 2021. Peng Wei (Chinese, b. 1974). Album leaf; ink and colors on flax paper; leaf: 38 x 60 cm (14 15/16 x 23 5/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Edward L. Whittemore Fund 2022.5 The landscape, a primary subject in Chinese painting, here features a female figure in nature, traditionally reserved to the male figure, while women usually occupy the domestic interior. The artist also breaches conventions by juxtaposing the landscape with an affectionate letter from European composer, Gustav Mahler, to his wife Alma, presented in her own calligraphy. At a right angle, one can see the glimmer and sparkle of mica on the painting’s surface.

Original Source

Maker/Artist: Peng Wei
Classification: Painting
Formatted Medium: Album leaf; ink and colors on flax paper
Medium: album, leaf, ink, colors, flax, paper
Dimensions: Leaf: 38 x 60 cm (14 15/16 x 23 5/8 in.)
Inscribed: Inscription: 马勒致妻子柏林／1905年1 1 月7日/ 亲爱的阿尔希姆！第一天算是顺利地过去了。乐队还不错，准备得很出色，非常勤奋，有热情。我希望是一次好的演出。音乐会已满座，遗憾的是不断地下雨，我只能穿胶鞋打雨伞趟水过去。下午我由H.硕特陪同乘车去米拉马莱，在那里我们逛了两个钟头。我极为惋惜，你没有与我在一起。这是一次美极了的逗留。丝柏和月桂——全部一片碧绿——溪水里的天鹅……天堂般的静谧。旅馆是可憎的（尽管这已是城里最好的了）——拖沓和嘈杂，这儿的排练从十二点到两点，晚上从八点到十一点。一切都是意大利式的混乱。音乐会也是直到九点一刻才开始。再次在维也纳下车，通向你床前的快乐之路，随后到孩子们身边，然后进入浴室，最后是一顿丰盛的早餐，这使我高兴得发疯呢。我热烈地吻你，我的阿尔希姆。你的古斯塔夫 Translation: Gustav Mahler to Alma Mahler / Berlin/ November 7, 1905 Dearest Almschi! Well, the first day was a success. The orchestra is quite passable, excellently prepared, ardent, and enthusiastic. I hope for a good performance. The hall is sold out. Unfortunately, it’s been raining all day, and I’ve been splashing about as best I can, armed with an umbrella and a pair of galoshes. This afternoon I went by coach to Miramare (accompanied by H. Schott), where we spent two hours looking around. I was really sorry you couldn’t come with me. It’s a wonderful place to stay. Cypresses and laurel trees, all still green, ponds with swans etc. And a heavenly calm. The hotel is ghastly (though it’s the best in town)—noisy and disorderly. Rehearsals are from twelve to two, and in the evenings from eight to eleven.—Very much the Italian way of doing things. Likewise the concert, which doesn’t begin until 8.15. Next time I disembark in Vienna, I will be on the happy road to your bedside and being surrounded by my children. I will draw a bath and finally have a sumptuous breakfast. This would make me so deliriously happy. I kiss you passionately, my Almschi. Your Gustav
Departments: Chinese Art
Accession Number: 2022.5
Credit Line: Edward L. Whittemore Fund
Exhibitions: Migrations of Memory––The Poetry and Power of Music (平沙落雁 — 音樂的詩意與力量) (Chinese art rotation)
Rights Statement: Copyrighted