China. Spring 1915. Ink and light colors on paper. Length 151cm, width 70.5cm. The painting in a traditional manner shows a scholar in long dress (pao) and jacket (magua) at the shore in a wide garden landscape with trees. It portrays probably the cousin Wang Zhaoquan (1859-1929) of the author and politician Wang Zhaoyoung (1861-1939), who made the calligraphy. The two grew up together and met again after more than 50 years. In his right hand he holds an orchid risp. This flower symbolizes scholarship and represents nobility, integrity and friendship.
His face is portrayed in the Western manner, in contrast to the landscape in traditional Chinese style. The calligraphic inscription is from Wang Zhaoyong, the seals were cut by Xi Nong 'Jin De'. Whether the landscape and the portraits are from one hand or by different artists, cannot be derived from the inscription and signatures. All in all, it could be the collaboration of several artists. The portrait is almost photographically reproduced, although in the depiction of the dressed figure, a certain three-dimensionality was achieved by using shadows. The landscape, on the other hand, is entirely painted in traditional Chinese style.
Wang Zhaoyong is the elder brother of Wang Jinwei (1883-1944), Premier and First President of the Chinese Republic. Sign.: Yun Sun 'Ji Sui' (painter), Xi Nong 'Jin De' (seal cutter). Longer dated inscription: Yi Mao Zhongchun Wu Wang Zhaoyong Jing Ti - In the middle of spring 1915 respectfully written by Wang. Framed with glass. Condition A/B. Provenance: -Collection Detlef Rosen, Düsseldorf.
