Artist: Shen Yuan
Date: Qing (1644-1911)
Dimensions: Height 35.0 cm, Width 148.8 cm
Material: Ink on paper
Shen Yuan, also known by his zi (designated name) Qiating, was native to Shanghai. A court painter from the Yongzheng to Qianlong reign, he was adept in painting landscape and jiehua (architecture painting), especially skilled in painting arhat. "Bingxi (ice skating)" was regarded as a national tradition during the Qianlong reign. This painting commissioned by the court in the 11th year (1746) of the Kangxi reign depicts the soldiers participating in an ice-skating competition on the iced Beihai Lake. This vivid painting provides precious historical evidence.