Groom Presenting a Horse - Beginning of the Scroll - Qianlong
Emperor Qianlong couldn't resist leaving his mark on this masterpiece, filling the front of the scroll with his own bold, sweeping calligraphy. The massive characters command attention, while the smaller text on the far left delves into art history, discussing how the Tang dynasty painter Han Gan learned from his master Cao Ba before eventually surpassing him in depicting horses. Qianlong was notorious for 'defacing' precious artworks with his poems and seals, believing he was honoring them—much to the horror of modern conservators! This specific section serves as the introduction to a scroll attributed to Han Gan, showcasing the imperial obsession with capturing the spirit of these powerful animals.
- Technique
- Ink calligraphy on paper/silk
- Material
- Ink
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