Palace Scene 1689 - 1690

This large lacquered wood screen, attributed to Feng Langgong, gives us a bird’s-eye view into a lavish palace. It’s an interesting challenge to interpret this artwork, since we are missing both a precise date and further information about the artist. What is clear is that the image invites us into a privileged world. The high vantage point, like a god’s-eye view, emphasizes the power of the patron who would have commissioned such a piece. The incredible detail of the architecture and dress suggests a celebration of wealth and status. There are also hints about the cultural life of the palace: figures are depicted in what might be theatrical performance, musical performance, or ritual. These sorts of visual clues become more meaningful when we consider the social and political function of art objects. Who gets to own them? Who gets to look at them? Art historians consider such questions while studying the social and institutional context of artistic creation. We consult primary historical sources to more fully understand works like this. This allows us to better appreciate how the artist both reflected and shaped the values of their time.