Who painted Street Scenes in Times of Peace 太平風會圖?

Street Scenes in Times of Peace 太平風會圖 was painted by Zhu Yu in 1329.

Where can I see Street Scenes in Times of Peace 太平風會圖?

Street Scenes in Times of Peace 太平風會圖 is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Street Scenes in Times of Peace 太平風會圖?

Street Scenes in Times of Peace 太平風會圖 is associated with Yuan dynasty literati painting.

Artwork

Street Scenes in Times of Peace 太平風會圖

Zhu Yu , 1329

Street Scenes in Times of Peace 太平風會圖 is an ink painting by the Yuan dynasty literati painting artist Zhu Yu. It dates from 1329 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Accession no.: 76275
Credit line: Kate S. Buckingham Endowment

About this work

Overview

Street Scenes in Times of Peace is a handscroll painting executed in ink and colors on paper, featuring over 400 figures engaged in various daily activities. This genre painting provides a comprehensive snapshot of occupational, social, and interactive aspects of common life during its time.

Subject & Meaning

The painting's subject matter revolves around the mundane yet vibrant activities of ordinary people, including transportation, commerce, entertainment, and accidental events. Titled 'Taiping fenghui' (Collection of Customs during Times of Peace), it encapsulates the totality of social and professional life in a community, offering a glimpse into everyday existence rather than monumental events.

Technique & Style

Notably lacking a defined background, the composition organizes figures into typological groups, a characteristic shared with model-books (painting manuals).

Notably lacking a defined background, the composition organizes figures into typological groups, a characteristic shared with model-books (painting manuals). However, the scroll distinguishes itself through complex interactions among figure groups, spatial coherence, and the depiction of dynamic public activities, effectively transforming its horizontal surface into a representation of 'street' space.

History & Provenance

Emerging during the Song dynasty (960-1279), this work is a rare example of a newly identified genre of painting focused on public, everyday life. Specific details about its creation, artist, or original ownership are not provided in the available information.

Context

For deeper insight into this style, the works of artist Zhu Yu can be consulted, though the direct connection or influence between Zhu Yu's work and 'Street Scenes in Times of Peace' is not explicitly defined here.

Legacy

The legacy of 'Street Scenes in Times of Peace' lies in its detailed documentation of daily life, making it a valuable resource for understanding the social, occupational, and cultural dynamics of its era. Its influence on subsequent genre paintings or its recognition within the broader art historical canon is not specified in the provided details.