The Imperial examinations 1540

qiuying

abstract painting

water colours

incomplete sketchy

possibly oil pastel

text

underpainting

painting painterly

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

mixed medium

watercolor

"The Imperial Examinations" (1540) by Qiu Ying (1494-1552) depicts a scene of the rigorous imperial examinations in China. The painting, done in the meticulous style of the Ming Dynasty, showcases a vast crowd of candidates taking the tests under a covered pavilion. Qiu Ying, known for his detailed and realistic depictions of figures and landscapes, creates a sense of scale and historical accuracy in this iconic image.