Xu Beihong (1895-1953) ‘Galloping Horse’, 20th century

Ink and watercolour on paper. With a traditional Chinese frame of carved silk.

It shows a galloping horse in a dynamic representation that contrasts with the minimalism of the elements that accompany it. The animal, with its robust anatomy, has its forelegs stretched out, while the hind legs are bent, following the natural movement of the horse. In contrast, the head is erect, looking straight ahead and crowned by a long black mane that, like the tail, rises in the wind. At the animal's feet, fine curved branches are arranged in faint grey and orange, contrasting with the intense black of the horse's coat. 

Xu Beihong's personal style is obvious, perfectly combining the realism characteristic of Western painting with traditional Chinese techniques, in which the use of ink is crucial. In this way, and just as he defended as a personal discourse throughout his career, he preserves those traditional arts that are disappearing over the centuries, and expands them, making them a reference beyond Chinese borders, infusing this particular style into Western techniques. 

Signed and stamped ‘壬午冬月悲鸿写’ in the right margin. 

Size painting: 67 x 55 cm; Size with frame: 200 x 64 cm (approx). 

Provenance: 

- Austrian private collection (Acquired at Bonhams Hong Kong in 2019).

- Spanish private collection (to the present day).

References: 

- Christie's. Fine Chinese Modern and Contemporary Ink Paintings. Lot 20830: Xu Beihong ‘Galloping Horse’. 29 May 2022. 

- Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Paintings. Lot 3056: Xu Beihong ‘Galloping Horse’ October 8, 2022

Catalogue note: 

Born in 1895 in Yixing, Xu Beihong began studying classical and calligraphic works by his father, a teacher at a public school. In 1917 he travelled to Tokyo to study art and completed his training at Peking University, where he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Art in Paris in 1919, an opportunity he took to travel around Europe for almost a decade, absorbing influences from the most renowned artists. 

After his travels on the European continent, he returned to China in 1927, where he obtained positions in teaching institutions, continued to organize international exhibitions and painted until the end of his days, being supported by a large group of art collectors from all over Asia.

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