China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644) / 1638
Lady Xuanwen Giving Instruction on the Rites of Zhou
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Lady Xuanwen Giving Instruction on the Rites of Zhou as painting (China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644) · 1638).
Chen Hongshou's long inscription at the top of the painting compares his virtuous aunt with the historical exemplar, Lady Xuanwen.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk and credits Chen Hongshou (Chinese, 1598/99–1652).
The museum's collection notes: This painting by Chen Hongshou depicts the story of Xuanwen Jun, or Lady of Literary Propagation, at a venerable age, instructing young scholars on the Confucian classics. It was painted for Chen’s aunt in celebration of her 60th birthday. Chen’s painting style is archaic in the use of fine outlines and brilliant coloring with mineral pigments. In depicting the figures, he uses the “iron-wire” brush style (fine, even lines) with deliberate control. The faces are elongated and exaggerated. A few ritual bronzes lend the scene an antique flavor.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtLady Xuanwen Giving Instruction on the Rites of ZhouOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.