Core Viewpoint - Xu Wei, a master of the freehand brushwork style in Chinese painting, was not widely recognized during his lifetime, facing poverty and illness, which highlights the disconnect between artistic innovation and contemporary acceptance [1][3]. Group 1: Artistic Style and Reception - Xu Wei's freehand brushwork style deviated from the mainstream aesthetics and creative paradigms of the late Ming dynasty, which favored meticulous and refined techniques [3][4]. - The dominant styles of the time, such as the court style and the Wu School, emphasized precision and elegance, which Xu Wei's work rejected in favor of emotional expression and spontaneity [4][6]. - His works, characterized by chaotic brush strokes and abstract forms, were seen as lacking refinement and were often dismissed as "wild" or "unorthodox" by the literati class [4][7]. Group 2: Emotional Expression in Art - Xu Wei's art was a direct projection of his emotional turmoil, channeling feelings of depression, anger, and solitude into his brushwork, contrasting sharply with the restrained emotional expression typical of the literati paintings [6][10]. - The emotional intensity and rawness of Xu Wei's work were perceived as incompatible with the aesthetic values of the literati, who preferred subtlety and moderation in emotional expression [6][12]. Group 3: Historical Context and Legacy - The primary consumers of art during the late Ming dynasty were the court, aristocrats, and literati, who favored styles that aligned with their social status and aesthetic preferences, making Xu Wei's work less marketable [6][7]. - Xu Wei's innovative approach to art was not appreciated until later generations, such as the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou and Qi Baishi, recognized and further developed his freehand style [10][12]. - His life story reflects the broader challenges faced by traditional literati artists, who often struggled to find a sustainable livelihood outside the officialdom and mainstream artistic circles [12][13].