Who painted 夏禹王立像軸?

夏禹王立像軸 was painted by Ma Lin in 1190.

Where can I see 夏禹王立像軸?

夏禹王立像軸 is held by National Palace Museum.

What movement is 夏禹王立像軸?

夏禹王立像軸 is associated with Song dynasty landscape.

Artwork

夏禹王立像軸

Ma Lin , 1190

夏禹王立像軸 is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty landscape artist Ma Lin. It dates from 1190 and is held in the collection of the National Palace Museum.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of King Yu the Great, a silk painting attributed to Ma Lin (active early to mid-13th century), dates to around 1190 during the Southern Song dynasty. Contrary to its title, the work depicts a woman of high social status, not the legendary King Yu. It is part of the National Palace Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

Despite its name, the painting portrays a woman in elaborate, traditional attire, indicating noble or aristocratic status. Her formal, dignified demeanor and the meticulous detail of her clothing and accessories underscore her elevated position.

Technique & Style

Executed on silk, the painting features clean lines, muted colors, and a solid background to emphasize the subject. While formally composed, the description does not align with the mentioned 'sfumato' technique (a European method of blending colors for softness), suggesting a possible misattribution of style in the visual note.

History & Provenance

Created by Ma Lin, a court painter and son of Ma Yuan, this work continues the family's artistic tradition within the Song landscape (though this piece is more figurative) and Southern Song dynastic art practices. It is now housed in the National Palace Museum.

Context

Part of the Southern Song dynasty's artistic output, the painting reflects the era's values on social hierarchy and the role of women within the nobility, as well as the continued influence of familial artistic legacies in Chinese court painting.

Legacy

As a piece by Ma Lin and part of the National Palace Museum's collection, it contributes to the understanding of 13th-century Chinese court painting and the transition of artistic styles and themes across generations of artist families during the Song dynasty.