The Standing Figure of a Woman

About this artwork

To 1915

Art Historical Context

**The Standing Figure of a** is a captivating 17th-century Chinese painting the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection, gifted by the renowned collector Charles Lang Freer. Bearing a spurious signature of the mid-15th-century Yuan Qian—a Ming dynasty (1368–1644) figure—the work actually dates to the transitional period between the Ming and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. This forgery highlights a common practice in Chinese art history, where later artists emulated earlier masters to honor traditions or enhance value, reflecting the deep reverence for classical styles. Depicting a poised female figure, the painting embodies the elegance of Chinese portraiture, likely employing ink techniques on silk or paper typical of the era. Such works often celebrated feminine grace and virtue, drawing from Confucian ideals of beauty and poise prevalent in imperial China. The 17th century was a time of cultural flux amid dynastic change, when artists blended Ming refinement with emerging Qing influences, producing intimate, character-focused compositions. Acquired by Freer before 1915, this piece joins his transformative collection that brought exceptional Chinese art to American audiences, fostering cross-cultural appreciation. Visitors are invited to ponder the mystery of its creation—who stood behind the borrowed name?—and the timeless allure of this enigmatic woman.

About the Artist

Spurious signature of Yuan Qian (Mid-15th century) (Netherlandish|Italian|French) · 1444 | |1430 –1444 | |1470

Netherlandish, flourished 1444–1469| |