About Zhang Lu
Lived 1464 – 1538 (aged 73–74). Zhang Lu was a Chinese painter and artist.
Zhang Lu, Laozi Riding an Ox 畫老子騎牛. Light ink and color on paper. National Palace Museum
Zhang Lu (; 1464–1538) was a Chinese landscape painter during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Zhang was born in Xiangfu (祥符; present-day Kaifeng, Henan) into a wealthy family and educated with princes of the imperial family. He attained great success as a professional painter but lived very simply, almost as a hermit. He began his study of painting by emulating the leading court painter, Wang E, but quickly turned from the academy to other models and masters. Zhang followed the Zhe school of painting. He painted landscapes and human figures in a free and uninhibited style. According to many legends he also contributed to major religions that are still present in modern day China. He also attempted to teach students about art in an unnamed unknown local school, apparently he was unsuccessful in his teachings.
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Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Zhang Lu's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Zhang Lu?
Chinese painter (1464-1538)
When was Zhang Lu born?
Zhang Lu was born in 1464 in Kaifeng.
When did Zhang Lu die?
Zhang Lu died in 1538.
What was Zhang Lu's occupation?
Zhang Lu was a painter and artist.
What nationality was Zhang Lu?
Zhang Lu was Chinese.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Zhang Lu. https://biography.guide/zhang-lu-painter/
MLA: "Zhang Lu." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/zhang-lu-painter/.
Chicago: "Zhang Lu." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/zhang-lu-painter/.
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