Snow On Yushan (Jade Mt.) , 1947 , Oil on wood , 33X 274cm

This picture was the very last work before he died in Feb.28th Event . Yushan Mt. is the highest mountain in Taiwan. In the winter, it snows a lot and usually there is an accumulation of snow on top of the mountain. It was said that Chen painted the picture at his old house at No 251 Lanjing Street, Chia-yi City. At that time, during the sky was clear and bright, one can get a clear view of the snowy peak of jade Mt. from either Min-zu Rd or Chui-Yang Rd. But recently, it had disappeared, one of the factors is because of the air pollution; the other is the increasing numbers of tall building on the hill, blocking view completely. This is a small wood painting which is only 4F in size; therefore, the composition of it is really simple, only divided into three parts (1) the white snowy peak, (2) nearer mountain, and (3) the foreground.
There was nothing here to clearly show the near and far scene; especially the houses in the foreground partially sunk into the ground making it vaguer to see and the near mountains are symbolically presented in a simple shape, but the brush stroke appears rude and rough. Was the painter rushing to finish it? Was he in an excited emotion? The painting was said to be his last painting. It may be or may not be a shadow of death kept haunting in his mind?

Chen Cheng-po's old house is situated at the cross-section between Guo-Hua St. and Lan-jing St., which is now the site of "Taiwanese Ice Shop.'' Chen painted the scene of snowy peak of Jade Mt. in 1927 and in 1947 respectively. The one in 1947 is even the last painting of his career. At that time, the snowy peak of jade Mt. could actually be seen, but hardly only once in a year. Beside his home was a lane, that's an ancient path from Zhu-lou City Wall to Tainan City. It's one of the three remaining "ancient path'' nowadays.

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