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PROPERTY OF AN ASIAN PRIVATE COLLECTOR
XU BEIHONG (1895-1953)
Lion
Details
XU BEIHONG (1895-1953)
Lion
Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist
Dated summer, twenty-seventh year (of the Republic, 1938)
Dedicated to Fuqing
Scroll, mounted and framed ink and colour on paper
118 x 62 cm. (46 1/2 x 24 3/8 in.)
20th Century
Lion
Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist
Dated summer, twenty-seventh year (of the Republic, 1938)
Dedicated to Fuqing
Scroll, mounted and framed ink and colour on paper
118 x 62 cm. (46 1/2 x 24 3/8 in.)
20th Century
Provenance
Lot 718, 25 May 2009, Fine Chinese Modern Paintings, Christie's Hong Kong.
Literature
Chinese Paintings, China National Arts & Crafts Import & Export Corp., Beijing, p. 8.
Further Details
Xu often spoke of three basic principles of art - truth, goodness and beauty. Xu placed truth (zhen) as fundamental to all art forms, and was instrumental to his focus on realism in his paintings. Xu's artistic thinking developed along a trajectory from traditional Chinese techniques to a foundation grounded in realism. Living in a time when China called for the creation of new art and reform of traditional paintings, Xu remained true to his skills in traditional painting while tirelessly seeking to combine these skills with Western perspectives. To transform Chinese paintings, it was necessary to "apply modern science to a disciplined rendering of 'true' painting".
Clearly demonstrating Xu's proficiency in representational painting, Lion sees Xu's careful attention to modelling, representation and contrast of light and shade. Skillfully employing brushwork and ink, he depicts the lion in a naturalistic fashion, from its steady gaze, proud stance and valiant roar.
Lions, regarded as symbols of courage, strength and militancy, was a favoured subject for Xu, who was known to use the animal as a metaphor for China and her people. The lion's roar boasts of heroic valour and perserverance, no doubt relating to the socio-political events surrounding the time of creation of this painting. In January 1938, Xu Beihong leamed that the city of Anqing had been besieged. The news left Xu emotionally devastated, and it spurred him to create a series of paintings that year, including the present lot. Through the use of his skillful and refined brushstrokes, Xu often portrayed lions in his paintings to express his national pride and encourage patriotism amongst his people amidst social turmoil. This magnificent beast in the wild is a display of captivating grace and strength, embodying Xu's patriotic sentiments and artistic objectives in bringing together East and West.
Clearly demonstrating Xu's proficiency in representational painting, Lion sees Xu's careful attention to modelling, representation and contrast of light and shade. Skillfully employing brushwork and ink, he depicts the lion in a naturalistic fashion, from its steady gaze, proud stance and valiant roar.
Lions, regarded as symbols of courage, strength and militancy, was a favoured subject for Xu, who was known to use the animal as a metaphor for China and her people. The lion's roar boasts of heroic valour and perserverance, no doubt relating to the socio-political events surrounding the time of creation of this painting. In January 1938, Xu Beihong leamed that the city of Anqing had been besieged. The news left Xu emotionally devastated, and it spurred him to create a series of paintings that year, including the present lot. Through the use of his skillful and refined brushstrokes, Xu often portrayed lions in his paintings to express his national pride and encourage patriotism amongst his people amidst social turmoil. This magnificent beast in the wild is a display of captivating grace and strength, embodying Xu's patriotic sentiments and artistic objectives in bringing together East and West.
Brought to you by
Yanie Choi
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