Two Sheep by Zhao Mengfu, painted during the Yuan Dynasty (1271 AD—1368 AD) [Photo/Xinhua]

As a prominent scholar, painter and calligrapher during the Yuan Dynasty, Zhao Mengfu’s gentle brushwork is considered to have brought about a revolution that created modern Chinese landscape painting. He was noted for painting horses, but few people know that his masterpiece, Two Sheep, is also the gem of ancient Chinese art. Pleasant and contented, the two sheep live in an easy fashion: one is nibbling grass while the other is looking forward. In association with his life story, it is easy to conclude Zhao Mengfu would give up official rank and political power for such a carefree life.