Sima Zhong, also known by various names such as Ziying, Xiugu, and Xiuhu, was a prominent Qing Dynasty painter from Shangyuan (modern-day Nanjing). As the official of Zhili River Engineering Prefecture, his artistic talent became legendary, particularly in the freehand brushwork of flowers and animals. His bold and unrestrained brushstrokes brought a graceful elegance to his work, breaking away from conventional forms. Sima's ability to capture the essence of his subjects, whether through one or two strokes depicting grass, insects, fish, or shrimp, made his art incredibly vivid and lifelike. Dimension: 175*52.5 cm

His works on flowers and birds, often rendered with thick and ancient-style brushstrokes, were admired for their authenticity and artistic depth. As a master of the Northern School of Sketchers, Sima Zhong’s influence began with his refined work in floral art, particularly orchids, although his landscapes were less frequent. Known for his proud demeanor and love for alcohol, he was capable of producing multiple frames in a single night of inspired work.

Significant works include his 1832 painting of crabapple and emerald feathers, which reflects his mastery in middle age, free from the harshness of earlier works. In 1855, he created a painting of pine and eagle, further showcasing his evolving style.

Sima Zhong’s contributions to Qing Dynasty art, with his graceful yet powerful freehand style, remain celebrated for their innovation and mastery.