Beauty in Winter 17th-18th century

"Beauty in Winter" was painted by Gao Qipei, sometime between the late 17th and early 18th century. It reflects the cultural and social life during the Qing Dynasty. In this ink and color on paper, we see a woman attending to a scholar. The fur-lined garments indicate the sitters' wealth, while the intimacy of the scene invites us to consider the gender dynamics of the time. While the woman's posture suggests servitude, there's also a sense of care. Is she a servant, a wife, or something in between? Gao Qipei was known for his individualistic style and his focus on intimate subject matter. He was a member of the Han Chinese elite serving the Manchu Qing Dynasty. His work often reflects the complexities of identity and loyalty. It is a window into the domestic life of the literati, capturing the emotional nuances of human relationships within a specific social context.