Yan Zhenqing, "the second running script in the world", was a famous official and calligrapher in the Tang Dynasty.
Introduction to Yan Zhenqing
Yan Zhenqing, also known as Qingchen, nicknamed Xianmenzi, and nicknamed Yingfang. Secretary Jianyan was the grandson of the fifth generation of ancient Yan Shigu and the younger brother of Situ Yan Gaoqing. He was a famous official and calligrapher in the Tang Dynasty.
In the 22nd year of Kaiyuan, Yan Zhenqing became a Jinshi and served successively as the Supervisory Censor and the Palace Attendant Censor. Later, because he offended the powerful minister Yang Guozhong, he was demoted to the prefect of Pingyuan, and was known as "Yan Pingyuan" in the world. During the Anshi Rebellion, Yan Zhenqing led the rebel army against the rebels. Later he went to Fengxiang and was awarded the title of Minister of Xianbu. During the reign of Emperor Daizong of the Tang Dynasty, he became the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, the Crown Prince and the Grand Master, and was granted the title of Duke of Lu County, and was known as "Gong Yan Lu". In the first year of Xingyuan, Li Xilie was sent to rebel general Li Xilie. He resisted the thieves sternly and was eventually hanged. After he was killed, his successor King Li Gao and the soldiers of the three armies all cried bitterly for him. Situ was given a posthumous title of "Wenzhong".
Calligraphy Achievements and Status
Yan Zhenqing first learned calligraphy from Chu Suiliang, and later learned calligraphy from Zhang Xu, and also discussed calligraphy with Huai Su. He conducted in-depth research on the calligraphy of Er Wang, Chu Suiliang and others, absorbed their strengths, completely got rid of the style of the early Tang Dynasty, and created a new calligraphy style of the era. Yan Zhenqing's calligraphy style is called "Yan style", and together with Liu Gongquan, it is called "Yan Liu", and has the reputation of "Yan Jin Liu Gu".
Yan Zhenqing's real calligraphy is majestic and dignified, with thick and powerful brushwork and good use of center strokes. It is muscular and sharp. Generally, the horizontal strokes are slightly thin, and the vertical strokes, dots, strokes and strokes are slightly thicker. This calligraphy style is majestic and powerful, and has the atmosphere of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. His cursive writing is powerful, revealing true feelings, calm in structure, and full of stippling, which opened up a new world for cursive writing after the Wang School. Yan Zhenqing's running script is vigorous and vigorous. This style also reflects the prosperous style of the Tang Dynasty and is consistent with his noble personality. It is an example of the perfect combination of the beauty of calligraphy and the beauty of personality. Therefore, he was praised by later generations as "the second running script in the world" ".
Yan Zhenqing's main works
Yan Zhenqing's existing calligraphy works include: "Duobao Pagoda Stele", "Yan Family Temple Stele", "Yan Qinli Stele", "Magu Immortal Altar", "Manuscripts for Nephews", "Manuscripts for Uncles", "Comments for Seats", "Praise for Dongfang Shuo's Paintings", etc.