Lady Xuanwen Jun Giving Instructions on the Classics (detail) 1638

This detail from *Lady Xuanwen Jun Giving Instructions on the Classics* (1638) by Chen Hongshou (1598-1652) depicts a scene of scholarly instruction. The artwork, featuring a distinctive style characteristic of the late Ming period, illustrates a female figure imparting knowledge to a group of seated students. The scene is set in a palace garden, with numerous details enhancing the sense of imperial grandeur. The work showcases Chen Hongshou's mastery of brushwork and color, resulting in a vibrant depiction of a historical scene.