Old Pines is an ink painting on paper created by Li Fangying (1695–1755), who was an artist in the Qing dynasty and is linked to the Yangzhou school of painting. The work shows ancient pine trees with curved trunks and uneven branches, highlighting their endurance and resilience rather than their decorative aspects. To give the piece a sense of texture, movement, and the appearance of age, Li Fangying employs expressive brushwork and changes the density of the ink. Although the composition seems simple, it carries a profound emotional and philosophical significance. In Chinese culture the pine tree has for a long time been a symbol of longevity, integrity and steadfastness since it stays green throughout the severe winters. The weathered appearance of the trees might reflect the artist's personal experiences, his independence, and his moral strength. The empty spaces around the pines enhance the feeling of loneliness and stimulate reflection, thus prompting the viewer to appreciate both nature and the inner character. The painting illustrates the literati belief that art should express the artist's spirit and personality, and therefore Old Pines is a clear example of ink painting from the Qing dynasty and of the scholarly aesthetic ideals.
The artists use of the ink is done in an intense but precise way, the brushstrokes strong and full of ink make the representation of the old pine feel alive. It is very interesting the way the artist decided to express his emotions using ink.
