The Changes of “Shen” and “Yi” in Chinese Painting Aesthetics: From Gu Kaizhi to Ni Zan

In the history of the development of Chinese painting, the change of “Shen” and “Yi” has always been a topic of discussion. From the Wei and Jin Dynasties to the Song and Yuan Dynasties, from the emphasis on the “Shen” to the “Yi”, reflecting the development of Chinese painting constantly absorbing and innovating. Taking Gu Kaizhi and Ni Zan as representatives, this paper analyzes the painting theories and painting styles of painters from two different eras to demonstrate the relationship and change of “Shen” and “Yi”, and to consider the direction of the development of the contemporary painting appraisal system.