The position of this terracotta warrior's arms strongly suggests that this kneeling archer, wearing a waist-length suit of armor (with overlapping plates imitating leather or metal components), presumably held a bow. The artist paid great attention to the mercenary's fashionable chignon, making sure that his hairstyle distinguished him from his fellow soldiers. This Kneeling Archer with a Green Face (221-206 B.C.) was interred with Qin Shihuangdi (r. 221-210 B.C.), China's first emperor. A dozen or more of these statues from the ruler's famous retinue of warriors will be on view at The British Museum, along with terracotta bureaucrats, acrobats and musicians, lifelike bronze birds and other works. Sculptures such as this one were buried with the First Emperor of Qin to prepare him for the afterlife. He anticipated governing the world even in death.
"The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army" will be on view from September 13, 2007 through April 6, 2007 at The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, Great Britain (Telephone: +44 (0)20 7323 8299; Website). Admission to the exhibition is £12.00 for adults and seniors (60 years of age and above), £10.00 for children ages 16 to 18 and free for youths under 16 years of age when accompanied by a paying adult.
This picture comes from one of the many special art exhibitions available to you during Summer 2007. To view the full list of shows, please see this page.
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From your Guide: Stan Parchin, Senior Correspondent for Museums and Special Exhibitions, is a specialist in ancient, late-medieval and Renaissance art and history, and a regular contributor to About Art History. You may read all of his Special Exhibition and Catalogue Reviews here.
"The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army" will be on view from September 13, 2007 through April 6, 2007 at The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, Great Britain (Telephone: +44 (0)20 7323 8299; Website). Admission to the exhibition is £12.00 for adults and seniors (60 years of age and above), £10.00 for children ages 16 to 18 and free for youths under 16 years of age when accompanied by a paying adult.
This picture comes from one of the many special art exhibitions available to you during Summer 2007. To view the full list of shows, please see this page.
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From your Guide: Stan Parchin, Senior Correspondent for Museums and Special Exhibitions, is a specialist in ancient, late-medieval and Renaissance art and history, and a regular contributor to About Art History. You may read all of his Special Exhibition and Catalogue Reviews here.