Emperor Xuanzong's Flight to Shu mid-12th century Unidentified artist In 745, after thirty-three years of able rule, the Tang emperor Xuanzong (r. 712–56) fell in love with the concubine Yang Guifei and became indifferent to his duties. When Yang’s favorite general, An Lushan, rebelled in 755, she was blamed. Forced to flee from the capital at Xi’an to the safety of Shu (Sichuan Province), the emperor was confronted by mutinous troops demanding the execution of his lover. Reluctantly assenting, Xuanzong looked on in horror and shame and abdicated soon after. This painting depicts the somber im

Emperor Xuanzong's Flight to Shu mid-12th century Unidentified artist In 745, after thirty-three years of able rule, the Tang emperor Xuanzong (r. 712–56) fell in love with the concubine Yang Guifei and became indifferent to his duties. When Yang’s favorite general, An Lushan, rebelled in 755, she was blamed. Forced to flee from the capital at Xi’an to the safety of Shu (Sichuan Province), the emperor was confronted by mutinous troops demanding the execution of his lover. Reluctantly assenting, Xuanzong looked on in horror and shame and abdicated soon after. This painting depicts the somber imperial entourage after the execution. While the accoutrements of the figures are Tang, the painting's landscape style of intricately described volumetric forms and mist-suffused atmosphere suggests a mid-twelfth century date. Listen to experts illuminate this artwork's story Listen Play or pause #7336. Emperor Xuanzong's Flight to Shu, Part 1 Play or pause #7336. Emperor Xuanzong's Flight to Shu, Part 2 Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies We're sorry, the transcript for this audio track is not available at this time. We are working to make it available as soon as Emperor Xuanzong's Flight to Shu. Unidentified artist Chinese, active mid-12th century. China. mid-12th century. Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk. Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279). Paintings

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