Capturing the ages

A painting exhibition at the Palace Museum showcases important figures from ancient China, Wang Kaihao reports.

They are emperors, sages, officials, wartime heroes and heroines, and others in Chinese history. And, painting is one of the best ways to eulogize them.

In the Hall of Literary Brilliance (Wenhua Dian), the painting gallery at the Palace Museum in Beijing, also known as the Forbidden City, an exhibition opened on May 1 to showcase important Chinese figures through 55 ancient artworks.

On Paragons of the Nation: Figure Paintings From Across the Ages in the Palace Museum Collection, which runs through June, many exhibits are newly shown.

The Forbidden City was China's imperial palace from 1420 to 1911, and the paintings were collected by the ruling royal families.