Wen Boren (1502–1575): The Quiet Master of Turbulent Spirit Wen Boren, born Changzhou around 1502, stands as a fascinating figure within the Wu School of Ming Dynasty painting—a movement characterized by its serene landscapes and profound philosophical undercurrents. Despite his reputation for explosive temperaments documented by contemporaries like Wang Shizhen (“This gentleman is prone to behave odiously and screamed accusations at people”), Boren achieved renown for producing remarkably restrained and contemplative paintings that embody the ideals of literati art. His style name, ‘Du Chen…