Ancient Warrior
Gao Jianfu was an early advocate of reforming the arts through the study of Western-style painting. In 1906 he went to Japan, where he studied a new form of "Japanese-style" painting that synthesized Western realism—natural light and luminous colors—with Eastern materials, techniques, and subject matter. This new hybrid art included the use of perspective, chiaroscuro, and other elements of Western painting.
Gao's willingness to experiment with exotic subject matter and non-Chinese techniques is epitomized in Ancient Warrior, painted in Calcutta. The large-eyed, mustachioed figure was inspired by the new nationalistic painting style of the Bengali artist Abanindranath Tagore (1871–1931).
Gao's willingness to experiment with exotic subject matter and non-Chinese techniques is epitomized in Ancient Warrior, painted in Calcutta. The large-eyed, mustachioed figure was inspired by the new nationalistic painting style of the Bengali artist Abanindranath Tagore (1871–1931).
Artwork Details
- 清/現代 高劍父 武士像 軸
- Title: Ancient Warrior
- Artist: Gao Jianfu (Chinese, 1878–1951)
- Date: dated 1931
- Culture: China
- Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on alum paper
- Dimensions: 38 1/2 x 19 in. (97.8 x 48.3 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
- Object Number: 1986.267.183
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Gao Jianfu
dated 1934
Gao Jianfu
20th century
Gao Jianfu
dated 1935
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Gao Jianfu
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