Artwork Details
79-13/16 x 42 in. (image) 79-1/2 x 42 in. (installed)
DynastySig: Qiantang Daijin xie Artist seals: Jing'an; Wenjin zhi yin Other seals: Xiangun shoucang; Pao Lian shoucang
Accession NumberGift of James W. Fesler
CopyrightPrince Tei; friend of Prince Tei. Einosuke Yamanouchi; Fukuichiro Matsuda; purchased by Caroline Marmon Fesler [1878-1960], Indianapolis, Indiana; given to the John Herron Art Institute, now the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, in 1946.
袁安臥雪
Scenes from the lives of past exemplary people were often painted to inspire viewers. This image illustrates the early event in the life of Yuan An (d. 92 ce) that resulted in his being recommended to the emperor as one who was "Filial and Incorrupt." It also implies good official conduct.
After a huge snowfall, the Prefect of Luoyang went on a personal tour and saw that many had finally dug themselves out and were begging for food. Yuan's house was not cleared, and the magistrate feared Yuan had died. However, Yuan said that with so many suffering and needing rescue, he did not want to burden the officials with his own personal suffering.
Paintings of this subject were made as early as 700, and Emperor Zhenzong (r. 998-1022) is known to have given a copy to a magistrate to hang up at his new post. It is likely that this painting, which is similar to several other equally large scrolls, was painted by an artist at the Ming court for a similar purpose.
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