Guan Liang

Signed in Chinese (lower right)
Executed in 1945

Private Asian Collection

Overall in good condition. Restoration is visible only under a UV light.
"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."

In the 1940s Guan Liang was famous for his paintings of theatrical figures.  In his work he depicted the graceful gestures of Beijing opera figures, using an exaggerated technique to express the character's personality, conveying the liveliness and richness of the performance.  However, apart from his innovation in Chinese painting, Guan Liang also dedicated himself to the sinicization of oil painting and produced remarkable works in this genre.  From the 1930s, he focused on the lives and landscapes of the working people of China.  Landscape is representative of this subject matter and demonstrates the artist's bold brushstrokes and rough use of line.  Strong, bright blue and green colours depict layered overlapping peaks of mountains in the background, whilst in the foreground, a group of woodcutters head out for a day's work; the artist brings true beauty to this everyday scene and successfully expresses his own feelings.  Guan Liang once said that for his whole life he strived to use his eyes to observe and feel the natural beauty of humanity and dedicated his creations to his own people.