Zhang Zongcang

A native of Suzhou, Jiangsu province, Zhang Zongcang began his official career as a regional irrigation manager. He was taught to paint by Huang Ding (1660-1730), a member of the educated elite of Jiangsu, and is credited with exceptional mastery of landscape painting skills. In 1751, when the Qianlong emperor (reigned 1736-1795) went on an inspection tour of southern China, Zhang presented him with paintings of sixteen scenes of the Suzhou area. As a result Zhang was called to serve the court, reaching the rank of secretary in the Ministry of Revenue.