The Changing Social Memories of Artists in the Six Dynasties

As an independent art category, painting becomes popular in the Six Dynasties (222-589). Critics are more willing to appreciate and analyze the works. Ancient critics depict Gu Kaizhi’s advocacy for Lu Tanwei from various texts and perspectives, insinuating their subtle relationship. By comparing the historical materials with duplications in later ages, we could meet the development of the style – express spirits with vivid depictions – from Gu to Lu. Besides sophisticated techniques, the unanimously-known successful artists have to be accepted by society. Records in the history of painting have no direct correlation to reality. The demand of the narrator mostly defines it. Under the constructed social awareness, artists gradually rise to fame, and ultimately become renowned over centuries.