Chao Meng-fu was related to the Sung imperial family and lived in Wu-hsing, Chekiang. His style name was Tzu-ang and his sobriquet Sung-hsüeh tao-jen. With the ascent of the Yüan dynasty, Chao was summoned to serve the new government and became a scholar at the Hanlin Academy. Later, he was enfeoffed as the Duke of Wei and was posthumously awarded the title of Wen-min. Chao is known for his literary achievements, but it is as a painter and calligrapher that he has had most lasting impact.In a situation charged with movement, a groom uses a whip to train a trotting horse. They are painted as if photographed, stopped mid-stride. In the past, this painting was attributed to Chao Meng-fu.