PIVOINES

Eminent German photographer Hilmar Pabel acquired the present painting directly from Qi Baishi in China in 1956. Pabel published a collection of his photographs from Asia in 1960 as Antliz des Ostens, including a record of his meeting with Qi (fig. 1). In the accompanying text, Pabel reflects on how privileged he felt to have the opportunity to take a portrait of Qi in his studio. He also states that Qi had painted the present work the morning of their meeting, and gave it to him as a gift which he later displayed in his home in Germany, giving him great pleasure. The painting is representative of Qi’s final oeuvre. The brushwork is empathic and animated, supported by diffuse washes of colour. It is a compelling demonstration of Qi’s continued artistic abilities into the last years of his life.

Please note: an original copy of Hilmar Pabel, Antliz des Ostens is included as part of this lot.