Who painted horses better than Li in Song Dynasty and Zhao Mengfu in Yuan Dynasty?

By studying and comparing the works of Li in Song Dynasty and Zhao Mengfu in Yuan Dynasty, we can find that they both studied under Han Gan in Tang Dynasty, and their styles of horse painting were similar, and they were both leading figures in horse painting in their respective times. From the perception of his works, Zhao Mengfu's works may be the most attractive, because he is close to our times and his works are rich and colorful. (The picture below shows the part of Zhao Mengfu's bathing horse map)

Li's line-drawn horse paintings are light in ink, concise in technique and just right in structure, depicting the horse's emotions and rich in texture, representing the highest level of traditional horse painting art ... Zhao Mengfu's works are one level behind Li in terms of fine lines and proper structure. Zhao Mengfu covered up this blank through heavy color rendering and exquisite composition. If Zhao Mengfu painted the human body in gorgeous costumes, then Li painted the nude, which can better reflect the structure and details. They all draw horses with unique styles. (The picture below shows a photo of Li's Five Horses at night. )

This also illustrates a phenomenon. To some extent, the overall effect of the picture is very important. From the perspective of horse performance alone, ink rendering and composition represent the whole, and lines and structures represent details. Under the overall effect, details can be covered up, ignored and not easily found. This is a higher realm. But problems always exist and will be found to be magnified. (The picture below shows a partial grazing picture of Li in Wei Yan. )

Another higher realm, such as Li's works, although there is no emphasis on color and pen and ink, the lines and structures are very precise and accurate, which is the essence of Chinese painting. It is really memorable, eye-catching and of high artistic and academic value. (The picture below shows part of Zhao Mengfu's "Drinking Horses")

Therefore, from the basis and essence of Chinese painting, it is most important that the lines representing details are accurate and the structure is appropriate, especially the lines. This is the "bone" and foundation of the work, while the overall effect, including decoration and rendering, is "meat" and fur. In terms of long-term unchangeable artistic value, "bone" is more important. From this point of view, Li's horse painting technique in Song Dynasty is superior to Zhao Mengfu's in Yuan Dynasty.