Portrait of Lady of Guo Going Sightseeing in Spring by Zhang Xuan

Portrait of Lady of Guo Going Sightseeing in Spring by Zhang Xuan
张萱《虢国夫人游春图》

作者：张萱（宋摹本）
Artist: Zhang Xuan (Song Dynasty copy)
尺寸：纵51.8厘米，横148厘米
Dimensions: 51.8cm high, 148cm wide
材质：绢本，设色
Material: ink and pigment on silk
年代：唐（现藏辽宁省博物馆）
Time: Tang Dynasty (618-907) (currently located at the Liaoning Provincial Museum)
此图再现了公元752年（天宝十一年），唐玄宗宠妃杨玉环的三姊虢国夫人及其眷从盛装出游的情景。
This painting is a portrait of Lady of Guo, the youngest of the three elder sisters of Yang Yuhuan (the favorite concubine of the Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty), in splendid attire going sightseeing in the spring with her family in 752, the 11th year of Tianbao (742-756) reign.
全画共九人骑马，前三骑与后三骑是侍从、侍女和保姆，中间并行二骑为秦国夫人与虢国夫人。其中四人（包括女孩）穿襦裙、披帛，另外五人都穿男式圆领袍衫。虢国夫人在画面中部的左侧，她身穿淡青色窄袖上襦，肩搭白色披帛，下着描有金花的红裙，裙下露出绣鞋上面的红色绚履。秦国夫人居右上首，正面向虢国夫人诉说什么。
In the painting, there are nine people riding horses. The three riders in the front and three riders bringing up the rear are attendants, maids and a nanny. In the middle, the two riders are Lady of Qin and the Lady of Guo. Four of the figures (including the young girl) are wearing ruqun dresses and brocade scarfs, while the other five figures are wearing gentleman’s round-collar robes. The Lady of Guo, on the left center of the painting, is wearing a light greenish-blue narrow sleeved upper garment, with a brocade scarf around her shoulders and a red skirt decorated with painted golden flowers. From beneath her skirt, the gorgeous red color of the decoration on top of her embroidered shoes can be seen. The Lady of Qin is located on the right upper section of the painting, turning sidewise to talk with the Lady of Guo.
作品重人物内心刻划，通过劲细的线描和色调的敷设，浓艳而不失其秀雅，精工而不板滞。全画构图疏密有致，错落自然。人与马的动势舒缓从容，正应游春主题。
In the painting, the inner reflections and expressions of the people are accentuated by the fine lined drawing and color layout. Its rich colors do not take away from its refined beauty and its detailed work does not lessen its vividness. The composition of the picture has a natural density. The suggested movement of the people and horses is comfortable and relaxed, fitting the theme of a spring outing.
图中人物用线纤细，圆润秀劲，在劲力中透着妩媚。设色典雅富丽，格调活泼明快。画面上洋溢着雍容、自信、乐观的盛唐风貌。
The people in the painting, though finely outlined, are full figured. At the same time, they have an attractive strength and charm. The colors, elegant and rich, are painted with a vivid and lucid style. The picture is alive with ease, grace, self-confidence and optimism typical of the flourishing Tang Dynasty (618-907).
此图为北宋临摹本，原作已经丢失，此图技法精湛，流传有序，堪称绘画史上的煌煌巨制。
This painting is a copy made by artists during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). The original painting cannot be found. Because of the exquisite skill used in the painting, and the care with which it has been passed down through generations, it has been called one of the most magnificent paintings in the history of painting.
张萱简介
Introduction of Zhang Xuan
张萱，唐代开元天宝间享有盛名的杰出画家，工画人物，擅绘贵族妇女、婴儿、鞍马，名冠当时，与周昉不相上下。
Zhang Xuan was an outstanding artist of great reputation who lived during the Kaiyuan (713-741) and Tianbao (742-756) reign periods in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). He used fine brushwork to make paintings of people and was especially good at painting high-class women, infants and pommel horses. He was one of the greatest painters during that period, equal with the renowned painter Zhou Fang.