Portrait of Saint Lord Guan (Guan Yu)
Artist
Li Jintai
(Chinese, ca. 1662 - 1722)
CultureChinese
Date19th-early 20th century
MediumHanging scroll; ink rubbing on paper
DimensionsImage: 39 1/2 × 21 1/8 inches (100.33 × 53.66 cm)
Overall: 58 1/2 × 23 1/8 inches (148.59 × 58.74 cm)
Overall: 58 1/2 × 23 1/8 inches (148.59 × 58.74 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Laurence Sickman
Object numberF88-45/74
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionStele carved in 1721; rubbing created 1800s–early 1900sExhibition HistoryThe Art of Ink Rubbings: Impressions of Chinese Culture, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, July 20, 2024–February 2, 2025, no cat.
The great warrior Lord Guan (160–220 C.E.) became a hero after he died in a battle. As his fame increased over the centuries, Lord Guan was believed to be the patron saint of loyalty and sworn brotherhood. Here, portrayed in martial garb, Lord Guan strikes a battle pose with his signature halberd knife. Above his image, a large seal inscribed with his bestowed title signifies his authority.
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