Portrait of husband and wife

Unidentified artist

Not on view

A married couple sits on a low, backless couch in an elegant and opulent garden setting. Around them is a virtual anthology of auspicious images: the arching pine that frames the image evokes long life; the red-crowned crane longevity and marital fidelity; the bamboo hardiness; the plum blossom new life; and so on. This double portrait was probably commissioned for a special occasion such as a milestone birthday. After the death of the sitters, descendants may have venerated it in the family shrine.

Portrait of husband and wife, Unidentified artist , Chinese, late 18th–early 19th century, Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk, China

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Portrait of husband and wife, Unidentified artist , Chinese, late 18th–early 19th century, Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk, China
Portrait of husband and wife, Unidentified artist , Chinese, late 18th–early 19th century, Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk, China

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.