Wang Hui (1632–1717), courtesy name Shigu, art name Qinghui Laoren, was one of the Four Wangs and the founder of the Yushan School in the early Qing Dynasty. Completed in 1670 when he was 38, Autumn Mountains with Red Trees is a magnum opus of his middle age, modeled after the Yuan-dynasty painter Wang Meng (also known as Huanghe Shanqiao) while establishing his own distinctive artistic style.
The painting depicts a magnificent autumn landscape: winding streams flow at the foot of mountains, with crimson maples and emerald cypresses contrasting along the banks, and winding mountain paths leading into the distance. In the middle ground, layered mountain ranges rise, with temples and pavilions hidden among forests and waterfalls cascading down cliffs. The main peak, rounded and towering, is veiled in mist, exuding a majestic atmosphere. Technically, the work features ox-hair texture strokes and unravelled rope texture strokes; dry brushwork and dense ink dots complement each other. The color palette is based on ink wash, with light ochre for rocks, cinnabar and vermilion for autumn leaves, and touches of malachite green, achieving a balance between vibrancy and elegance.
In his colophon, the great Qing painter Wang Shimin praised the work: "Though modeled after Wang Meng, Wang Hui's brushwork and conception follow the spirit of Wang Wei. Thus, the painting boasts extraordinary grace and surpasses Wang Meng's usual style." Far from being a mere copy of ancient masters, this work integrates Wang Meng's intricate composition, Wang Wei's serene artistic conception, and the grand mountain forms of the Song Dynasty, marking a breakthrough from "imitating the ancients" to "integrating traditions for innovation" and consolidating Wang Hui's status as a leading figure in the orthodox landscape painting of the Qing Dynasty.