Artwork

宋代帝半身像册-宋朝英宗皇帝像

宋代帝半身像册-宋朝英宗皇帝像, by Unknown, unspecified
宋代帝半身像册-宋朝英宗皇帝像, by Unknown, unspecified

宋代帝半身像册-宋朝英宗皇帝像 is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It is held in the collection of the National Palace Museum.

About this work

Overview

The silk painting presents a half‑length portrait of a male figure dressed in a white robe trimmed with red, topped by a traditional Chinese hat. Set against a light‑coloured fabric background interrupted by a darker horizontal band behind the head, the subject gazes to his right with a composed, neutral expression.

Subject & Meaning

The individual portrayed is Emperor Yingzong of the Song dynasty, identifiable by his distinctive long, thin moustache and neatly trimmed hair, hallmarks of imperial portraiture of the period. The restrained demeanor and formal attire reflect the Confucian ideals of measured authority and moral rectitude associated with Song rulership.

Technique & Style

Executed on silk, the work employs fine brushwork to delineate the delicate folds of the white robe and the subtle shading of the facial features. The contrast between the light background and the darker horizontal stripe creates a simple yet effective spatial separation, focusing attention on the emperor’s visage without elaborate scenery.

History & Provenance

The portrait is part of the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taiwan, where it is catalogued among Song dynasty imperial portraits. Its preservation on silk has allowed the piece to survive in relatively good condition, offering insight into courtly visual culture during Emperor Yingzong’s reign.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Palace Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.