Meet our curators: Every stroke on the imperial portrait was hard-earned

Any ancient artist who dared to paint a portrait of the emperor or empress was inevitably tempting fate. Every aspect of the task was scrutinised, while the work itself would have to commence on an auspicious day. The thematic exhibition in Gallery 4, “Encountering the Majestic: Portraits of Qing Emperors and Empresses”, showcases the finest examples of the imperial paintings in sequence. These magnificent works of art are accompanied by short films and interactive activities to reveal the artists’ processes. Check out the video and find out more!