Artwork

Portrait of an Official

Portrait of an Official, by Unknown, unspecified, 1700
Portrait of an Official, by Unknown, unspecified, 1700

Portrait of an Official is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. A formal portrait of a Ming dynasty official, characterized by a serene and authoritative demeanor.

About this work

Overview

A formal portrait of a Ming dynasty official, characterized by a serene and authoritative demeanor.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted in a black robe and red hat, conveying a sense of calm control. The embroidered motifs on his robe signify his official rank, rather than personal traits.

Technique & Style

The painting exemplifies the traditional portrait style of the Ming dynasty, marked by a stiff pose and a neutral facial expression.

Legacy

This style of portraiture was emulated for centuries, influencing the representation of officials in Chinese art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

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