Two clifflike peaks rise up to the clouds; below them stretch a river and a range of mountains. In this type of composition, called "level distance," the two central peaks tower over the diminutive houses, trees, and distant mountains at their feet. Structurally the cliffs are composed of densely applied texture-strokes as thin as the hair of cattle--a delicate technique here used to create a feeling of strength. Stylistically, this painting has a flavor characteristic of late Ming works. Kuan T'ung was from Ch'ang-an, Shensi; the magnificent scenery of the northwest part of this province frequently figures in his paintings. His landscape instructor was Ching Hao. It has often been remarked of Kuan's paintings that the simpler the brushwork, the stronger the painting; the less depicted, the greater its significance. Since human figures were not Kuan's forte, when they appear in his paintings they are usually the work of his pupil Hu I.