Mai Trung Thu

Mai Trung Thu (1906–1980) was part of a new wave of progressive artists that emerged in Vietnam during the 1930s and an important figure in the bourgeoning art scene. He was among the first generation of Vietnamese painters to gain formal instruction in the techniques of Western art at the Ecole de Beaux-Arts d’Indochine. Developing his acclaimed style of painting under the tutelage of French artists Joseph Inguimberty and Victor Tardieu, Mai Trung Thu was best known for his masterful paintings on silk which recapitulated notions of ‘The Orient’ through depictions of the everyday, from elegant women to the intimacies of family life. Through the harmonious blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics, Mai Thu’s work represented the new identity of Vietnamese modern art.

Born in 1906 to a wealthy family, Mai Trung Thu was the son of Mai Trung Cat, governor of Bac Ninh region, who was granted the title of baron by the French government. Mai Trung Thu did not follow in his father’s example, as the governmental system of mandarins was eliminated in 1915. Around this time, the formation of the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine in 1925 stimulated transformation of what was soon to be recognised as Vietnamese modern art. Set-up in Hanoi by Tardieu and Inguimbery, this art school was founded to teach European methods and classical stylistic principles, while encouraging students to retain the use of Vietnamese mediums and artistic traditions. Like many students from the academy, Mai Thu’s artistic practice synthesized various techniques and media to create new and distinctive styles. In 1937 Mai Trung Thu immigrated to Paris, and though he lived in France until his passing in 1980, the artist’s devotion and patriotism did not fade; he continued to celebrate his homeland by painting vivid vignettes of Vietnam.

In recent years, the Vietnamese fine art market has been in the spotlight with paintings commanding higher prices and a growing number of talented artists emerging on the global stage. Since 1986, artworks by Vietnamese artists such as Mai Trung Thu has attracted an ever growing international audience and Sotheby’s has played an instrumental role in increasing recognition to some of the nation’s greatest artists. In 2020, performance of works by Vietnamese artists was particularly exceptional at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, with Mai Trung Thu’s auction record being set consecutively in the Spring and Autumn sales.