Xu Beihong, a towering figure in Chinese art history, left an indelible impact on the evolution of Chinese art through his innovative approach and pioneering spirit. Known for his artistry and commitment to education, Xu Beihong’s tale weaves an intriguing narrative of artistic development, heavily influenced by a pivotal period spent in France.
In May 1919, Xu Beihong set foot in Paris, a city renowned for its artistic heritage. As if stepping into a living canvas, he found himself surrounded by a plethora of artistic marvels. He frequented the Musée du Louvre, where he stood in awe before iconic masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic “Mona Lisa” and Jacques-Louis David’s dramatic “Oath of the Horatii.” Alongside these timeless works, he also encountered creations by eminent artists like Claude Monet, Henri Rousseau, Edgar Degas, Auguste Rodin, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, at various art salons. This exposure to Western masterpieces left an indelible mark on Xu, inspiring him to delve deeply into the techniques employed in their creation.
Among the many locations Xu visited, Paris’ equestrian center held a particular fascination for him. Here, he found an opportunity to study horse anatomy meticulously, resulting in over a thousand sketches of horses in various positions – standing, drinking, running, and in herds. This rigorous study later formed the cornerstone for his renowned depictions of horses in his art.
By 1923, Xu’s proficiency in art had reached new heights, as demonstrated by his exemplary performance at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts, where he completed courses in art history, art theory, perspective, and anatomy. This period of rigorous study and artistic exploration culminated in a plethora of impressive figure studies, sketches, and oil paintings, each one adding a new dimension to his evolving style.
Upon his return to China in the spring of 1927, Xu Beihong ingeniously combined the Western art elements he had absorbed in France with traditional Chinese painting practices. His innovative approach blended the precise stroke work of Chinese ink brushes with the detailed perspective and color applications of Western art, resulting in a captivating new style that resonated both in China and globally.
His stunning series of masterpieces, characterized by their unique fusion of East and West, and exemplified in works like “Galloping Horse,” not only introduced Chinese audiences to the allure of Western modern art but also showcased the brilliance of Chinese modern art to the world.
Xu Beihong’s remarkable journey through French art left an enduring impact on Chinese painting. His artistic explorations marked a significant milestone in Chinese art history, and his influence continues to inspire and shape the path of modern Chinese art.
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