Yang Guifei Mounting a Horse,

The artwork completed during the late 13th to early 14th century, Yang Guifei Mounting a Horse is a stunning handscroll attributed to the eminent Song loyalist and Yuan dynasty artist Qian Xuan. The historical and narrative episode involving the Tang dynasty Emperor Minghuang (Xuanzong) and his favored consort is brilliantly portrayed here. In the composition, the elegant imperial consort is captured preparing to mount her horse, assisted by attendants, while the emperor looks on from his own steed with keen observation. The intimate dynamic between the emperor and his beloved consort is vividly conveyed through his attentive gaze, highlighting a profound romance that famously defied conventional imperial hierarchies of the era. Historically, Emperor Xuanzong elevated Consort Yang's status immensely, reflecting a deep personal devotion that reshaped the royal court. Furthermore, the artwork serves as a powerful testimony to the opulent court painting traditions of the earlier Tang and Song dynasties. His steadfast loyalty—deeply woven into his heart—is proven by his refusal to serve the alien Mongol rulers, reflecting his profound personal integrity. Qian Xuan adopted an archaic, "primitive" aesthetic style characterized by meticulous, fine-line brushwork and mineral colors, which brilliantly brings to light the difficult, cumbersome situations of the period and the poignant lament observed among displaced scholar-artists of the early Yuan era.