Han Gan

Han Gan, the master horse painter of the Tang Dynasty, is renowned for his "Han-dsome steeds," capturing their vitality and spirit with unprecedented realism. His style:

• Emphasis on Realism: He moved beyond idealized portrayals to depict the physical anatomy and movements of horses with meticulous detail.
• Lifelike Spirit: Beyond mere anatomy, Han Gan imbued his horses with personality and vigor, capturing their unique temperaments and moods.
• Dynamic Composition: His horses are often depicted in active poses, conveying their power and energy, not just static images.
• Minimal Background: He frequently used sparse backgrounds to keep focus on the horses, increasing impact of the animal and highlighting its individual characteristics.

His works celebrated the imperial stables and military power, depicting the horses as symbols of strength, loyalty, and imperial might.