Squirrel on a Pine Branch

The squirrel on this pine tree branch glances toward a flying insect, the animal’s curiosity giving the scene an almost humorous note. Although the painting is executed in monochrome ink and the evergreen pine does not indicate a season, the activity of the squirrel and the insect suggest a warm season, other than winter. Squirrels do not hibernate, but leave their nests as soon as temperatures rise and the snow melts. Paintings by Song Tian are rare; the museum is thus in a fortunate position to collect one of the artist’s few extant works.