Cormorant 1931

Xu Beihong created this ink painting of a cormorant in China, though its exact date is unknown. Xu was a key figure in 20th-century Chinese art, advocating for realism and Western techniques while promoting traditional Chinese painting. Here, he depicts the bird with expressive brushstrokes, capturing its form and texture. The cormorant, a fishing bird, might symbolize resilience and resourcefulness, virtues particularly relevant in China’s tumultuous modern history. Xu's work often reflected his social concerns and national pride. He believed art should serve a purpose, and frequently used it to inspire patriotism and unity. He was, after all, president of the Central Academy of Fine Arts. To fully appreciate this work, understanding Chinese art history and the socio-political context of the time is essential. Research into Xu Beihong's life and writings, as well as the cultural symbolism of animals in Chinese art, can provide deeper insights into its meaning. Art, you see, is always contingent on its social and institutional context.