Sakyamuni c. 13th century
attributedtoyanhui
minneapolisinstituteofart
color-on-silk, hanging-scroll, ink
toned paper
color-on-silk
possibly oil pastel
handmade artwork painting
oil painting
hanging-scroll
ink
coffee painting
underpainting
china
painting painterly
watercolour bleed
watercolour illustration
watercolor
This 13th-century hanging scroll, attributed to the artist Yan Hui, depicts Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha, in a seated pose. The composition is simple and elegant, with the figure of Sakyamuni rendered in delicate brushstrokes, creating a sense of tranquility and serenity. The artist's use of muted colors emphasizes the spiritual nature of the subject. This artwork, a fine example of Song dynasty painting, is held in the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Comments
A professional painter, Yan Hui was especially known for his figure paintings of religious subjects. Here he depicted Sakyamuni (left), an Indian prince from the 400s BCE, whose teaching forms the underpinnings of Buddhism; and Bodhidharma (right), an Indian sage from the 500s CE, who advocated practicing meditation as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment. Sakyamuni’s quiet, introspective character is suggested by his downcast eyes and gently inclined head, whereas Bodhidharma’s aggressive nature is conveyed by his direct gaze. Yan’s choice of red for the robes of both holy men provides a visual connection between the two paintings.
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