Xu Beihong stands as a towering figure in the annals of modern Chinese art, celebrated as a pioneering painter, art educator, and theorist whose life and work bridged Eastern and Western artistic traditions.
Born in 1895 in Yixing, Jiangsu Province, he demonstrated an early passion for art, studying under renowned masters before embarking on a transformative journey to Paris in 1919.
There, at theÉcole des beaux-arts, he absorbed Western techniques, particularly impressionism and realism, which he later integrated with traditional Chinese ink and brush methods. Upon his return to China in 1927, Xu became a vocal advocate for modernizing Chinese art, establishing institutions like the national central university art department and mentoring a generation of artists.
His unique style, characterized by a fusion of Chinese expressive brushwork with Western elements such as perspective and anatomy, revolutionized the art world.
Xu’s paintings often depicted horses, which he used as symbols of strength and vitality, alongside historical figures and scenes that reflected his deep engagement with Chinese culture and history. Beyond his artistic achievements, he was a dedicated educator and theorist, whose writings emphasized the balance between technical skill and artistic expression.
His legacy endures as a beacon of innovation and cultural synthesis, influencing artists globally and cementing his role as a pivotal figure in the development of contemporary Chinese art.