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Maison R&C
457
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LIAO XINXUE (廖新学, 1903-1958) "Portrait of an Asian Man"
Oil …
See original version (French)
457
-
LIAO XINXUE (廖新学, 1903-1958) "Portrait of an Asian Man"
Oil …
See original version (French)
Estimate €2,500 - €3,500
Voluntary lot
Description
LIAO XINXUE (廖新学, 1903-1958)
"Portrait of an Asian Man"
Oil on canvas
Signed lower right and dated "1943"
55 x 46 cm
(A hole in the lower part of the canvas)
Liao Xinxue (1903-1958), from Fumin county in Yunnan province, was one of the leading figures in the development of modern art in south-west China in the 20th century. From a modest background, he initially trained in Kunming before receiving a grant from the provincial government in 1932, enabling him to continue his training in Europe. Before leaving, he studied drawing with master Xu Beihong at Nanjing Central University, whose teaching, deeply rooted in the synthesis of Western and Chinese academic traditions, had a lasting influence on his approach. In 1935, he was admitted to the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. This stay in France was a defining moment in Liao Xinxue's career. It was there that he developed his artistic practice, inspired by European trends, particularly Impressionism, Neo-Impressionism and the Barbizon School. His works won numerous awards, notably at the Salon de Printemps, where he received several prizes, including a silver medal for his Buste de femme at the 1937 Universal Exhibition. On his return to China in 1948, Liao Xinxue played a key role in shaping artistic life in Yunnan. He held a number of leading institutional positions, notably within the Provincial Federation of Literary and Artistic Circles, and played an active role in founding and organising modern art education in Kunming, where he was head of the art department at the Normal School.
Our present painting is from the artist's French period. It depicts an Asian man, dressed in formal attire, in a sober style based on the academic and classical models of European portraiture. The composition, centred on the bust, and the monochrome background in shades of green, emphasise the human figure and the presence of the model, treated with restraint and elegance. The workmanship, marked by supple brushstrokes and delicate modelling of the face, bears witness to Liao Xinxue's assimilation of the artistic training he received in France. Although the figure represented is not clearly identifiable, it could be a commissioned portrait, as the artist was particularly active in the cultural and artistic circles of his time.
See original version (French)
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Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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