Yan Liben (阎立本)
Yan Liben (阎立本) (601—673), Chinese, Tang Dynasty (618–906), Yan Liben, who lived during the 7th century and died around the fourth year of the Xianheng reign under Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (673 AD), was a renowned painter of early Tang China. Born into a family steeped in artistic tradition—his father and elder brother were both accomplished court artists—Yan was surrounded by painting and design from a young age. After his brother’s death, Yan Liben succeeded him in serving the imperial court.
Historical records show that Yan’s artistic career was closely tied to the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin (later Emperor Taizong). In his youth, Yan worked in Li Shimin’s household when the latter was still the Prince of Qin. In 626 AD, during the ninth year of the Wude reign, Yan painted portraits of 18 key advisors who had helped Li Shimin seize power. Later, in the seventeenth year of the Zhenguan reign (643 AD), Emperor Taizong commissioned Yan to paint portraits of 24 founding officials of the Tang Dynasty. These portraits were displayed in the Lingyan Pavilion, the imperial hall reserved for honoring meritorious officials, and became known as the “Portraits of the Merit Subjects of the Lingyan Pavilion.” This monumental project showcased Yan Liben’s exceptional talent.
As time went on, Yan’s importance in the court grew, and he eventually rose to the high-ranking position of Right Chancellor. His counterpart, the Left Chancellor, was a military general celebrated for his battlefield exploits. People at the time praised them with the saying:
“The Left Chancellor brings glory from the desert campaigns; the Right Chancellor earns fame with his brush and ink.”
Historical records show that Yan’s artistic career was closely tied to the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin (later Emperor Taizong). In his youth, Yan worked in Li Shimin’s household when the latter was still the Prince of Qin. In 626 AD, during the ninth year of the Wude reign, Yan painted portraits of 18 key advisors who had helped Li Shimin seize power. Later, in the seventeenth year of the Zhenguan reign (643 AD), Emperor Taizong commissioned Yan to paint portraits of 24 founding officials of the Tang Dynasty. These portraits were displayed in the Lingyan Pavilion, the imperial hall reserved for honoring meritorious officials, and became known as the “Portraits of the Merit Subjects of the Lingyan Pavilion.” This monumental project showcased Yan Liben’s exceptional talent.
As time went on, Yan’s importance in the court grew, and he eventually rose to the high-ranking position of Right Chancellor. His counterpart, the Left Chancellor, was a military general celebrated for his battlefield exploits. People at the time praised them with the saying:
“The Left Chancellor brings glory from the desert campaigns; the Right Chancellor earns fame with his brush and ink.”
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Full scroll of the Emperor Taizong Receiving the Tibetan Envoy.
Yan Liben (阎立本) (Chinese, 601—673)China’s top ten greatest works of Chinese ink painting. It’s about important historical paintings from the early Tang Dynasty.