Who painted 元代后半身像册-后妃（3）?

元代后半身像册-后妃（3） was painted by Unknown in 1850.

Where can I see 元代后半身像册-后妃（3）?

元代后半身像册-后妃（3） is held by National Palace Museum.

Artwork

元代后半身像册-后妃（3）

元代后半身像册-后妃（3） is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Palace Museum. This half‑body portrait from the later Yuan period portrays a female figure, likely a courtly consort, rendered on silk.

About this work

Overview

This half‑body portrait from the later Yuan period portrays a female figure, likely a courtly consort, rendered on silk. She is shown against a muted light‑brown backdrop, her attire dominated by a vivid red robe over a white inner shirt. The composition focuses on the upper torso and head, emphasizing the elaborate headdress and accessories that frame her face.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter’s elaborate red headdress, studded with white beads, and the gold‑and‑black patterned scarf suggest high status within the imperial household. Such garments were typical of elite women in Yuan court culture, indicating both rank and the aesthetic preferences of the era. The portrait functions as a visual record of courtly fashion and identity.

Technique & Style

Executed with fine brushwork on silk, the painting employs bold, saturated pigments—particularly the striking reds and contrasting whites. Delicate line work defines the intricate patterns of the scarf and headdress, while the background’s subtle brown tone recedes, allowing the figure’s colors to dominate. The style reflects the Yuan dynasty’s blend of Chinese tradition with Mongol influences.

History & Provenance

The work is part of a larger album of half‑body portraits of imperial consorts created in the later Yuan dynasty. It entered the collection of the National Palace Museum, where it is displayed as an example of court portraiture from that period. The album’s survival provides insight into the visual culture of the Yuan imperial court.