Artwork Description

Title:Faint Moonlight
Artist: Shaoxiong Meng
Date: 2016
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 23.6 x 27.6 inches (60 x 70 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Faint Moonlight (2016) by Shaoxiong Meng is an atmospheric oil painting on canvas measuring 60 by 70 centimeters. The composition captures a serene nocturnal scene viewed through an open window: a branch heavy with yellow berry-like fruits and lush green leaves extends inward, bridging the exterior and interior worlds. Beyond, the deep night sky glimmers with subtle starlight, while a pale moon presides over the quiet landscape. Below the sill, an open book and scattered papers rest on a table, suggesting contemplation and scholarly retreat.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
The work reflects Meng’s mastery of realist technique infused with poetic sensibility. Its delicate rendering of natural details and nuanced handling of chiaroscuro recall elements of traditional literati painting, reinterpreted through the lens of modern oil practice. The spatial composition and still-life intimacy echo aspects of Northern European realism, while its meditative tone aligns with East Asian aesthetic philosophies emphasizing harmony between man, nature, and intellect.

3. Historical Context
Created in 2016, Faint Moonlight resonates with a contemporary return to figurative realism and slow observation in an age of digital transience. The juxtaposition of organic vitality with scholarly artifacts evokes classical Chinese notions of cultivated solitude, recontextualized for a global audience attuned to ecological and existential themes.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
For detailed provenance and certificate of authenticity, please contact the gallery directly.

5. Condition and Conservation
The painting is in excellent condition, with a stable surface and no evidence of abrasions, paint loss, or restorations. The color harmonies and fine textural details remain pristine.

6. Artistic Significance
Faint Moonlight exemplifies Shaoxiong Meng’s ability to fuse narrative quietude with visual lyricism. By harmonizing botanical precision, atmospheric depth, and symbolic still-life elements, the work stands as a meditative reflection on the interwoven realms of nature and intellect—an enduring theme within both Eastern and Western artistic traditions. Its lyrical restraint and refined execution make it a significant addition to any discerning collection.