Bình Ngô đại cáo

In "Bình Ngô đại cáo”,(Proclamation of Victory over the Wu), Nguyễn Văn Minh recreates the historical atmosphere of the Lam Sơn uprising and the moment the country regained its independence through a large-scale, epic lacquer painting. Mountains, forests, fortifications, troops, and groups of characters are spread across multiple layers of space, guiding the viewer's gaze from the turmoil of battle to the scene of victory and the re-establishment of peace and order.

The palette of gold, brown, black, and deep blue colors gives the work an antique and dignified appearance, while highlighting the characteristic shimmering depth of lacquer. Instead of focusing on a single character or event, the artist organizes the entire scene as a continuous historical narrative, in which people, nature, and architecture all participate in a shared rhythm.

Created in 1966 and placed within the ceremonial space of the Independence Palace, the work not only illustrates Nguyen Trai's political essay but also transforms the spirit of the Proclamation of Victory over the Wu into a visual symbol of national sovereignty, self-reliance, and the aspiration for peace.