Appreciation of Historical Women Portraits · Liu Guohui

Author: Liu Guohui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: A series of appreciations of the portraits and figures paintings by Liu Guohui, a contemporary Chinese master painter. The collection includes 21 portraits and figure paintings by Liu Guohui for everyone to admire. It is reported that the late Ming painter Zhang Chou acquired the "Spring Night Secret Love Painting" by Zhou Fang (Jingxuan) from the collection of Zhao Mengfu (Oubo Pavilion). During the Yuan Dynasty, Zhao Mengfu, and during the Ming Dynasty, Tang Yin and Qiu Ying were all skilled in painting "spring paintings," which means they all created nudes. "A Jiangnan painter took the lead in improving the level of paintings of naked women, and that was Tang Yin. He obviously convinced some of his mistresses to pose for him, so he could paint large-scale nudes with great realism, demonstrating Tang Yin's keen observation skills." "A few years later, the famous painter Qiu Ying followed suit, not only painting clothed lovers but also nudes." "Before the late Ming Dynasty, nudes were always very primitive. Only the art of ivory carving, particularly medical ivory figures, showed a relatively skilled depiction of female anatomy." These studies by the Dutchman G. P. de Groot are undoubtedly valuable references for us to fully grasp the development of Chinese figurative painting. On one hand, the rationalist teachings imposed a taboo on the body, and even doctors had to avoid depicting it, resorting to ivory figures instead. On the other hand, the great masters of the time could not create outstanding works of figurative art like their Western counterparts, but instead, they showcased their talents in the "spring palace paintings" that circulated among the people. History presents a strange picture. History has indeed moved forward. Today, figurative art enjoys an unprecedented favorable environment, and the topic has sparked the interest of many artists. In recent years, a large number of outstanding works of figurative art have emerged across various artistic fields. Dedicated exhibitions, specialized research works, and specialized educational programs have all contributed to the significant progress of Chinese figurative art, gradually moving it toward maturity. How to cherish this opportunity and ensure that this artistic flower thrives healthily, creating figurative art with a distinct Chinese ethnic charm, has now been placed before Chinese artists.