Portrait of a Manchu Prince
Qing dynasty (1644-1911), 17th century
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
Dimensions
Painting: 212.8 × 121.3 cm (83 3/4 × 47 3/4 in.); Mount: 298.5 × 138.5 cm (117 1/2 × 54 1/2 in.)
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
241750
Art Historical Context
This striking hanging scroll, created by the Chinese artist Gu Jianlong in the 17th century, captures a Manchu prince during the years of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). Following the Manchu conquest of China, such portraits served to affirm the authority and cultural identity of the new ruling elite. The imposing scale—over seven feet tall—suggests it was designed for display in a grand hall or official setting, where it would convey dignity and lineage to viewers. Painted in ink and color on silk, the work exemplifies traditional Chinese techniques for formal portraiture. Silk provided a smoo...