10.5 Li Yin, a Chinese Painter

Art flourished in Ming dynasty China. Scolar-officials (and their wives and concubines) pursued the painting of birds, flowers, and landscapes as a sign of their cultural refinement. Li Yin was a celebrated painter of the 17th century, and during her lifetime over 40 other artists were imitating her work and selling it with her name on it. Her works can still be seen in the Palace Museum in Beijing. Visit the website (herhalfofhistory.com) for sources, transcripts, and pictures. Support the show on my Patreon page for bonus episodes, polls, and a general feeling of self-satisfaction. Join Into History for a community of ad-free history podcasts plus bonus content. Follow me on Twitter as @her_half. Or on Facebook or Instagram as Her Half of History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices