COLLECTION NAME:
National Palace English
Record
Work ID:
M01E00179
Title:
Two Horses and A Groom
Creation Date:
Tang Dynasty
Start Year Date:
A.D.618
End Year Date:
A.D.907
Dynasty:
36 Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618~907)
Creator:
Han Gan
Creation Place:
China
Measurements:
27.5 x 34.1 cm
Material:
Ink and color on silk
Form:
Ce-ye (album leaf)
Type:
Painting
Subject:
Animals
Repository:
The National Palace Museum, Taipei
Description:
This painting depicts a Tartar servant riding a white horse while leading a fine, black steed. On the painting, there is an inscription by Emperor Huizong (1082-1135) of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) which reads, "An authentic work by Han Gan. Written by the emperor in the dinghai year." According to Emperor Huizong's inscription, this painting should be attributed to Han Gan (active mid-eighth c.), a famous painter of horses during the reign of the Tang dynasty emperor, Xuanzong (r. 712-756).From the way the painting depicts the Tartar servant, we can see that he grows sideburns and his stature is tall and stout, giving him the appearance of a member of the nomadic tribes. The horses are also robust and impressive, characteristic of the type originating in the western regions. In shape, these horses resemble the strong and lively steeds painted by Tang dynasty artists. But the way the brush lines are drawn departs from the broad and full lines we are accustomed to seeing in Tang paintings. In Two Horse and Groom, the brush lines are more meticulous and resilient. Perhaps, the original composition belonging to the Northern Song (960-1127) imperial collection eventually became so worn that it could not be repaired. So, the emperor ordered a skilled painter to copy the composition to represent the original. In executing the order, the artist unconsciously inserted some elements of the Northern Song style of painting
ImageV ID:
M01E00179AS001
Rights:
Lee & Lee Communications