VINE AND ROCK

Robert Ellsworth displayed this painting in the foyer of his Fifth Avenue apartment. While not a very well known artist, Mr. Ellsworth was attracted to Ning Fucheng's independence and innovation, as his calligraphy and seal carving ushered in a new style. He expressed his confidence in Ning's importance when he wrote, "Ning Fu-ch'eng exhibited works only for a brief period in the early 1960's; it is for history to bring out his importance." (Robert H. Ellsworth, Later Chinese Painting and Calligraphy: 1800-1950, New York, 1986, vol. 1, p. 186.