This course surveys the history of Chinese painting and pictorial art to the end of the Song
dynasty in the 13th century.  Early subjects (through about 600) include portraits and narratives,
usually from funerary contexts.  Many reflect Confucian ideas about the state, society, and
history, while others represent alternative Daoist values of private life, the individual, and the
world of nature.  In the vigorous imperial culture of the Tang dynasty (c. 600-900), painting
celebrated the strength of the nation and the prosperity of the court: palaces, tribute horses, court
beauties, and aristocratic sports.  With the Song dynasty (c. 900-1300), landscape became the
dominant subject, from monumental mountain scenery of cosmic grandeur to simple sprigs of
bamboo in monochrome ink.
The approach will emphasize the ways in which pictures have interacted with
political/social history and currents in literature and thought.  Topics to be considered include
systems of patronage, regional traditions, materials and techniques, art theory, and the relationship
between painting, poetry, and calligraphy.
Classes consist of informal lectures with discussion.  The main assignments are a midterm,
a final, and a term paper.