Description
This portrait was jointly executed by Wei Shijie and Hua Yan himself who painted the landscape in the background. Hua Yan is shown here at the age of about 23. The sword at his back is a reference to his early desire for a military career, while the scholar’s robe suggests an opposing aspiration. Together these are signs of a complex personality.
The painting also reveals Hua Yan’s early talent in painting. While Wei Shijie is little known, Hua Yan would later become a well-known painter. In addition to Wei Shijie and Hua Yan, nine of Hua Yan’s contemporary friends left inscriptions on the painting.
The painting also reveals Hua Yan’s early talent in painting. While Wei Shijie is little known, Hua Yan would later become a well-known painter. In addition to Wei Shijie and Hua Yan, nine of Hua Yan’s contemporary friends left inscriptions on the painting.
Provenance
Hua Pinyu 華品玉 (active 1800s) (1800s); (Christie's, New York, Important Classical Chinese Paintings, June 1, 1989 sale, lot 30) (June 1, 1989); Private Collection of a Min Chiu Society 敏求精舍 member, Hong Kong (1989?–1999?); (Christie's, Hong Kong, Fine Chinese Classical Painting an Calligraphy, April 25, 1999, lot 270) (April 25, 1999); (Kaikodo America Inc., New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art) (?–2001); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (2001–)
Accession Number
2001.120
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
Dimensions
Painting: 130 x 47.2 cm (51 3/16 x 18 9/16 in.); Overall: 281 x 95 cm (110 5/8 x 37 3/8 in.)
Classification
Painting
Credit Line
Gift of various donors by exchange
