Detail View: National Palace English: Emperor Ming-huang's Flight
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Work ID:
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M01E00112
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Title:
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Emperor Ming-huang's Flight
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Creation Date:
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Tang Dynasty
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Start Year Date:
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A.D.618
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End Year Date:
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A.D.907
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Dynasty:
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36 Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618~907)
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Creator:
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Anonymous, Tang Dynasty
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Creation Place:
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China
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Measurements:
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55.9 x 81cm
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Material:
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Ink and color on silk
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Form:
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Li-zhou (hanging scroll)
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Type:
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Painting
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Subject:
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Figure
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Repository:
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The National Palace Museum, Taipei
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Description:
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In the composition of this painting, landscape takes precedence over the figures and horses. A fine, taut brush line is used to render the contours of the mountains, streams, trees, and rocks. Then, the artist has filled in the outlines with green and blue mineral pigments as well as ochre. No additional texture strokes are used. In the deep and saturated colors, we can see the artistic legacy of painters Li Sixun and Li Zhaodao, father and son, known for their "golden and blue-green" landscapes. At the bottom right corner of the painting, a group of figures and horses emerge on the little path amidst the towering peaks and steep gorges. They are about to enter the open space along the riverbank in the middle of the trees. The figure wearing a red robe and riding a steed whose mane is tied with three knots is Emperor Minghuang. Historical texts record that upon "leaving the narrow path beneath mountains peaks where immortals fly, and seeing for the first time a little bridge, the horse was startled and would not enter." Emperor Minghuang's Flight to Sichuan depicts this scene. In the middle of the composition near the central peak, several merchants unsaddle their mules, take off their extra garments, and rest in the shade of pine trees. To the left, some travelers may be seen walking. Others ride horses and lead camels, carrying heavy burdens making their way along the winding and treacherous road. The landscape in this painting is complex, yet minutely rendered. The carefully planned composition conveys a sense of constant movement. The artist's use of line is careful and exquisite, and his use of color is at once daringly brilliant yet entirely harmonious.
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ImageV ID:
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M01E00112AS005
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Image note:
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Detail
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Rights:
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Lee & Lee Communications
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