Artwork
元代帝半身像册-元成宗皇帝像
元代帝半身像册-元成宗皇帝像 is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1350 and 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, likely an imperial subject, rendered in muted tones against a pale yellow backdrop. The composition focuses on the sitter’s face and upper torso, emphasizing his distinctive facial hair, elaborate headdress, and richly colored garments.
Subject & Meaning
The figure displays a prominent mustache and a stylized hairstyle with long braids threaded with red and gold beads, suggesting status and ceremonial importance. The neutral expression and direct gaze convey a formal, authoritative presence typical of court portraiture.
Technique & Style
Executed on silk, the work employs fine brushwork to delineate delicate details such as the gold earrings, necklace, and the subtle shading of the reddish‑brown robe. The limited palette and smooth background reflect the refined aesthetic of Yuan dynasty court painting.
History & Provenance
The portrait belongs to a collection of imperial images from the Yuan period, comparable to similar pieces housed in the National Palace Museum. Its provenance traces to the imperial workshops that produced official likenesses of the reigning monarchs.
Context
During the Yuan dynasty, portraiture served to legitimize the ruler’s authority and to document the visual language of the court. The inclusion of ornamental accessories and specific color choices aligns with contemporary conventions for depicting imperial dignity.
Legacy
Works of this type provide valuable insight into Yuan dynastic iconography and the material culture of the era, informing both scholarly research and museum exhibitions that explore the visual representation of Mongol‑ruled China.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
