Rongbaozhai Painting Spectrum (104) Modern Edition - Character Section

Author: Fu Baoshi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-01-01
Features: Fu Baoshi's figure paintings can be roughly divided into two categories: historical figures and allusions; and figure paintings based on literary masterpieces or verses. Fu Baoshi's historical figures, such as Qu Yuan, Du Fu, Tao Yuanming, Li Bai, Wang Xizhi, and the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, are all figures from history with noble aspirations and exalted personalities. Their grief, depression, dissatisfaction with reality, unrestrained and free-spirited demeanor, as well as the indescribable sorrow and heaviness hidden deep within their souls, are all perfectly captured by Fu Baoshi, as if he shares a deep connection with them. It feels as if he is not painting the ancients, but rather painting himself. Such figure paintings, in ancient times, were only occasionally seen in the works of Gu Hongzhong, Chen Laolian, Wu Wei, Luo Pin, and Ren Yi. Deep and profound figure paintings often avoid overly exaggerated dramatic poses, instead employing simple yet profound techniques that are unadorned and unostentatious. In terms of expressing emotions and resonance, his achievements are unparalleled in the annals of art.