The Chinese painter Yen Li-pen (died 673) was the greatest master of the early T'ang dynasty. He was primarily a figure painter, and his style expresses the confident, expansive air of his age.

Yen Li-pen was born in the late 6th century in Wan-nien, Yung-chou (modern Shensi Province). His father, Yen P'i, was a court painter and official under the Northern Chou and Sui dynasties; and his older brother, Yen Li-te, was also a painter who rose to the position of minister of the Board of Works. Yen Li-pen succeeded him in this post in 656, and in 668 he became one of two ministers of state. Despite his high offices in government, he was regarded primarily as a painter and summoned to perform at the Emperor's whim. In consequence, Yen Li-pen is said to have discouraged his son from becoming a painter.

Yen Li-pen's art typifies the grand imperial spirit...