Wu Li

Who was Wu Li?

Wu Li; ca. 1632-1718 was a Chinese landscape painter and poet during the Qing Dynasty.

Wu was born in Changsu in the Jiangsu province. His style name was 'Yu Shan' and his sobriquet was 'Mojing Daoren'. Wu was taught poetry by Qian Qianyi, painting by Wang Shimin and Wang Jian, and was influenced by the painters Huang Gongwang and Wang Meng. His landscapes utilized dry brush strokes and light colors. His distinctive style elevated him to where he is now identified as one of the Six Masters of the early Qing period.

Wu was a convert to Catholicism. Having become a member of the Jesuit Society, in 1688 he was ordained one of the three first Chinese Catholic priests.