These were often retouched to bring them closer to the original. That is what happened in the case of Ni Zan's Distant Music, Wind and Moonlight . Mostly painting monumental landscapes, the copying artists often added commentaries within the scroll. An inscription by Wang Hui in his 1710 Landscape in the Style of Ni Zan , recalls the powerful effect of the painting that inspired him. An artist makes a comment on prevailing styles through the art he chooses to imitate.
Some artists express their opinions directly through their inscriptions.
In 1697 Shitao inscribed one of several of his Ni Zan style landscapes with praise for the master and criticism of some imitators. But later imitators capture only the dry, desolate, and melancholic feeling, and their works are devoid of his far-reaching spirit. Shitao himself was to have a great impact on later artists both for his manner of painting and because of his political beliefs. When the Qing dynasty ended at the beginning of the 20th century, many Qing loyalists found particular interest in Shitao and his painting. An album of eight leaves, painted by the artist in 1695, is shown along with copies by 20th century painters.