Wang Xuehao, also known as Meng Yang, was born in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, during the Qianlong era of the 18th century. He was recognized as a gentle and hardworking artist who traveled widely through Yan, Qin, Chu, and Guangdong.

Wang Xuehao was employed by Li Yude, whose father was Xian, the nephew of Yuan Qi. In his middle years, Wang devoted himself to sketching, though his use of color was described as subdued. He showed some interest in the artistic traditions of the Yuan dynasty, which informed aspects of his practice.

In his later years, Wang’s distinctive “broken pen” technique became vigorous and mature, marking a shift in his painting style. He authored Shannan on Painting, a treatise noted for its precise argumen...