Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by After Yi Yuanji in 1639.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Chinese Orthodox School.

Untitled by After Yi Yuanji (1639) · Meaning & Museum

About this work

Subject & Meaning

This set of twelve album leaves operates as an allegory, depicting interactions between humans and the animal kingdom, alongside the recurring motif of a mirror. The inclusion of Animalia alongside a man suggests a thematic exploration of the relationship between humanity and nature, while the mirror introduces symbolic connotations of self-reflection, truth, or vanity. By combining these elements within an allegorical framework, the work likely invites contemplation on human identity and our connection to the natural world, using the mirror as a device to bridge the human and animal realms or to prompt introspection regarding humanity's place within the broader living order.

Technique & Style

While attributed to the artist Yi Yuanji in some records, other classifications designate the work as being after Yi Yuanji.

Created in 1639, this work is executed as a set of twelve album leaves utilizing ink and color applied on a silk support. The piece originates from China and functions as an allegorical painting. Stylistically, the composition incorporates depictions of animals, human figures, and mirrors.

While attributed to the artist Yi Yuanji in some records, other classifications designate the work as being after Yi Yuanji. The individual leaves measure approximately 29.2 cm in height and 27 cm in width. The medium and format align with traditional Chinese album painting conventions, combining monochromatic ink washes with polychrome elements to render the subject matter on the delicate textile surface.

History & Provenance

Created in 1639 in China, this work is a set of twelve album leaves executed in ink and color on silk. While the piece is attributed to the artist Yi Yuanji, internal classification records describe it as being 'After Yi Yuanji,' suggesting it may be a later interpretation or copy of the master's style rather than an autograph original. The work depicts allegorical scenes featuring animals, a man, and a mirror.

Currently, the painting is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains located. Specific details regarding the original commission, the identity of the patron, or the intermediate ownership chain prior to its acquisition by the museum are not provided in the available records.

The work titled Untitled, attributed to Yi Yuanji and dated 1639, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum's records indicate the piece is a set of twelve album leaves executed in ink and color on silk. While the provided sources confirm the artwork's current location and its creation date of 1639, they do not list a specific inventory or accession number for the set.

Furthermore, the available documentation contains no information regarding the work's exhibition history or previous public displays. The entry describes the medium as paintings within the allegory genre, depicting animals, humans, and mirrors, but remains silent on specific curatorial identifiers or past showings.

Context

The work titled Untitled, created after the style of Yi Yuanji in 1639, comprises twelve album leaves rendered in ink and color on silk. It is classified as a painting and an allegory, depicting animal, man, and mirror imagery. The piece is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was produced in China, and bears an inception date of 1639‑01‑01.

Its symbolic subjects reflect thematic concerns found in Chinese painting of the era, situating the work within the broader development of allegorical album leaf traditions.

Overview

This "Untitled" painting, created in 1639 by an artist working after Yi Yuanji, is one of a set of twelve album leaves. Executed with ink and color on silk, it functions as an allegory. The work is notable for its depiction of animals with human-like characteristics, a common theme within the larger series.