Detail View: National Palace English: Seated Portrait of Emperor Huizong

Work ID: 
M01E00133
Title: 
Seated Portrait of Emperor Huizong
Creation Date: 
Song Dynasty
Start Year Date: 
A.D.960
End Year Date: 
A.D.1279
Dynasty: 
39 Song Dynasty (A.D. 960~1279)
Creator: 
Anonymous, Song Dynasty
Creation Place: 
China
Measurements: 
188.2 x 106.7 cm
Material: 
Ink and color on silk
Form: 
Li-zhou (hanging scroll)
Type: 
Painting
Subject: 
Portrait
Repository: 
The National Palace Museum, Taipei
Description: 
Emperor Huizong (1092-1135) of the Song Dynasty was surnamed Zhao and named Ji. The eighth emperor of the Song Dynasty, Huizong was the eleventh son of Emperor Shenzong. His mother was the Qinci Empress, surnamed Chen. In the first month of the third year of the Yuanfu reign era (1100), Huizong's brother Zhezong (1077-1100) died without leaving a son. The Empress Dowager told a high official that the emperor has died, but prior to his death he had said Prince Duan (Zhao Ji) was preordained for happiness and longevity. Moreover, she believed Zhao Ji was benevolent and filial. Since the emperor did not have a son, the Empress Dowager declared let Prince Duan be summoned and make him emperor before the body of the deceased emperor. In this painting, Huizong is depicted with a full face and a fine beard. He wears a cap and a vermilion gown. Although we do not know the artist's identity, we can be assured that he was highly skilled given his use of the brush and application of color as both are clean and well-executed.
ImageV ID: 
M01E00133AS002
Rights: 
Lee & Lee Communications