Li Song (painter)

Li Song (李嵩, fl. 1190-1230), also known by the courtesy name Hèshèng (和聲), was a Chinese court painter who served under the Southern Song dynasty emperors Guangzong, Ningzong, and Lizong. He was active in the early 13th century.

Li Song was born into poverty and initially worked as a carpenter. He was later adopted by the painter Li Congshun, whose name he took. He eventually became a member of the Painting Academy and rose to prominence as a court artist.

Li Song is known for his genre paintings and landscape works, particularly depictions of everyday life and rural scenes. His style is characterized by careful observation, realistic detail, and a focus on portraying the lives of ordinary people. He often depicted subjects such as street vendors, artisans, and farmers.

Among his notable works are "The Knick-Knack Peddler" (貨郎圖) and "Sowing in Spring" (春耕圖). These paintings provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions of the Southern Song dynasty. He is also recognized for his skilled brushwork and ability to capture the nuances of human expression and interaction.