English

Emperor Xuanzong's Flight to Shu

mid-12th century
Not on view
In 745, after thirty-three years of able rule, the Tang emperor Xuanzong (r. 712–56) fell in love with the concubine Yang Guifei and became indifferent to his duties. When Yang’s favorite general, An Lushan, rebelled in 755, she was blamed. Forced to flee from the capital at Xi’an to the safety of Shu (Sichuan Province), the emperor was confronted by mutinous troops demanding the execution of his lover. Reluctantly assenting, Xuanzong looked on in horror and shame and abdicated soon after. This painting depicts the somber imperial entourage after the execution. While the accoutrements of the figures are Tang, the painting's landscape style of intricately described volumetric forms and mist-suffused atmosphere suggests a mid-twelfth century date.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 南宋 佚名 明皇幸蜀圖 軸
  • Title: Emperor Xuanzong's Flight to Shu
  • Artist: Unidentified artist Chinese, active mid-12th century
  • Period: Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279)
  • Date: mid-12th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk
  • Dimensions: Image: 44 3/4 × 32 5/8 in. (113.7 × 82.9 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 95 1/2 × 54 in. (242.6 × 137.2 cm)
    Overall with knobs: 57 1/2 × 95 1/2 in. (146.1 × 242.6 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1941
  • Object Number: 41.138
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Cover Image for 7336. Emperor Xuanzong's Flight to Shu, Part 1

7336. Emperor Xuanzong's Flight to Shu, Part 1

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