This year's Joseph Levenson Book Prize goes to the 2021 work making "the greatest contribution to increasing understanding of the history, culture, society, politics, or economy of China."
Faces from China’s Past: New Directions in Figure Paintings
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art presents an exhibition on Chinese figure paintings.
Where

This exhibition features Chinese figure paintings along with a selection of European prints and miniature portraits. These objects offer insights into commonalities and differences in the conventions of portraiture in distinct cultures. They also reveal how the two artistic groups influenced each other.
For centuries, landscapes were more popular in China than paintings of the human figure. Beginning in the 1500s, contact with Europe helped to revive Chinese figure painting. Thanks to expanded global trade, Chinese artists were exposed to European portraits through prints. Christian missionaries, many of whom were painters, also demonstrated European techniques. These encounters not only introduced new stylistic elements but also promoted portraiture in China. Portraits of Chinese subjects by European artists further illuminate artistic exchange from the 1500s through the 1800s.
Photo and text from The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Featured Articles
Wherever you may be, we wish you and those close to you the very best Year of the Rabbit.
Events
Join us for a discussion with Mike Chinoy on his new book that expands on USCI's Assignment: China series.