Horse and groom
This handscroll, a composite of real and counterfeit elements, reveals just how complex the study of Chinese painting can be. The painting of a horse and groom is based on an eighth-century model, but the style reveals it was painted in the sixteenth century. A fake inscription in the style of the Song-dynasty Emperor Huizong (reigned 1100–25) appears along the right edge, likely added to make the work seem older and more important. On the other hand, the three calligraphic inscriptions and many seals of the Qing-dynasty Qianlong emperor are authentic.
Artwork Details
- 明 佚名 舊傳 韓幹 圉人呈馬圖 卷
- Title: Horse and groom
- Artist: Unidentified artist (16th century) , formerly attributed to Han Gan (active ca. 742–56)
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
- Date: 16th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Handscroll; ink and color on silk
- Dimensions: Image: 12 in. × 20 1/4 in. (30.5 × 51.4 cm)
Overall with mounting: 12 9/16 in. × 23 ft. 3/4 in. (31.9 × 702.9 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: From the Collection of A. W. Bahr, Purchase, Fletcher Fund, 1947
- Object Number: 47.18.93
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Unidentified artist
Unidentified artist
Unidentified artist
Unidentified artist
Unidentified artist
18th–19th century
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