Lin Fengmian

signed in Chinese (middle left)
executed circa 1950s-60s

Acquired directly from the artist by ambassador Lorenz Petersen
Thence by descent to the present owner

Re-varnished, lightly restored, cleaned, and in a wooden frame, the work is generally in good overall condition. There are some slight cracks due to the age of the work but they have been stabilized.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Mr. Lorenz Petersen was a former Danish ambassador to China. While living and working in Beijing, Mr. Petersen became acquainted with artist and they soon became good friends. Mr. Petersen left Beijing in 1962, before the start of the Cultural Revolution, carrying with him his prized painting, and returned to Denmark where Fishing Harvest has remained in his family for nearly half a century.

Capturing a festive scene in a fishing village, Lin depicts ten women and children in the midst of a fruitful fishing harvest. It was painted around the late 1950s – early 60s, a time when the artist was encouraged by the newly established Chinese government – The People's Republic of China, to experience the life of a real farmer. This paved the way for a comprehensive series of works inspired by his experiences and accounts of daily life in the rural villages.

In his article "Entering Into a New Era" written in 1959, Lin describes his experience of labour-discipline in rural China in 1958.

"In my personal view, there have been a lot of changes and new realizations in terms of my thoughts and sentiments after participating in the labour-discipline in rural China.

From the rural infrastructure to the Great Leap, the peasants have played a big role in the transformation of my creative intelligence and talent - I was profoundly touched by them.

I believe if an artist continues to isolate himself from the surroundings and from the people, then the works he produce will be meaningless. I lived in a house full of peasants, and we worked together in the labour-reforming. As I was older than the others, and I suffered from stomach ulcer, they took very good care of me and they always worried that I have not eaten enough or worked too hard. I can feel their sincerity and generosity towards others, at the same time their industriousness towards hardship.

If an artist wants to portray peasant's life in his works, then merely to experience new conditions is not enough. Most importantly, he has to apprehend and to be involved with the noble quality of the peasants. Only in this way can he develop genuine emotions in the works, and the level of ideology can also be elevated.

The entire art history in Europe, from Greek to Renaissance in Italy, has established its course with its language. Similarly, we hold our own tradition, style and way of expression. Our folk art retains our distinctive features as well."