Woodpecker

Gao Qifeng Chinese
dated 1927
Not on view
Gao Qifeng followed the example of his brother, Gao Jianfu (1878–1951), and studied art in Japan, where he encountered Western methods of realistic representation, such as shading, coloristic effects, and perspective.
Here, Gao drew the blossoming branch in a dashing calligraphic style derived from Chinese eighteenth-century flower-and-bird painting, while he rendered the ruffled plumage of the woodpecker in a far more descriptive manner that includes the deft use of white highlights—a technique he learned in Japan.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清/現代 高奇峰 啄木鳥圖 軸
  • Title: Woodpecker
  • Artist: Gao Qifeng (Chinese, 1889–1933)
  • Date: dated 1927
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on alum paper
  • Dimensions: Image: 32 5/8 × 13 3/8 in. (82.9 × 34 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 75 1/4 × 20 5/16 in. (191.1 × 51.6 cm)
    Overall with knobs: 75 1/4 × 24 1/8 in. (191.1 × 61.3 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.267.141
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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