Artwork

元代后半身像册-后妃(1)

元代后半身像册-后妃(1), by Unknown, unspecified, 1850
元代后半身像册-后妃(1), by Unknown, unspecified, 1850

元代后半身像册-后妃(1) is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Palace Museum. The work is a half‑length portrait of a woman rendered in traditional Yuan‑dynasty attire.

About this work

Overview

The work is a half‑length portrait of a woman rendered in traditional Yuan‑dynasty attire. She is shown against a muted, light‑brown backdrop, her posture upright and her expression neutral. The composition focuses on her head and upper torso, emphasizing the elaborate headdress and richly colored garments that frame her face.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is identified as a courtly lady, likely a consort, as suggested by the luxurious dress and ornamental accessories. The red headdress with its sweeping curved element, accented by white beads and a blue‑green motif, signals high status, while the pink robe with a black‑gold patterned collar reflects the refined aesthetic of elite Yuan court fashion.

Technique & Style
Delicate lines define the woman's thin eyebrows and brown eyes, while the texture of the fabric is suggested through subtle shading rather than overt detail.

Executed with fine brushwork, the painting employs a restrained palette of reds, pinks, blues, greens, and earthy tones. Delicate lines define the woman's thin eyebrows and brown eyes, while the texture of the fabric is suggested through subtle shading rather than overt detail. The background’s uniform hue provides a calm contrast that draws attention to the figure’s elaborate headgear and jewelry.

History & Provenance

The portrait is part of a Yuan‑period collection of half‑length female figures and is currently housed in the National Palace Museum. Its inclusion in the museum’s holdings reflects the institution’s focus on preserving Chinese court paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries, offering insight into the visual culture of the later Yuan dynasty.

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.