Pan Yuliang

signed in Chinese and dated 63

Private European Collection

This work is overall in very good condition. There are slight horizontal creases near the middle left section. There is a slight wear near the middle of the surface.
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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."

A representative work from Pan Yuliang's series of female nudes, Deux femmes is based on the wider context of Western mainstream realism, impressionism and fauvism. The artist injected uniquely Chinese elements and techniques into the work, applying the sensitivity and finesse inherent in female artists in treating such a delicate yet reserved subject, in turn distinguishing herself among her male counterparts. In this work, human figures and surrounding objects are outlined in faintly discernible brushstrokes, then filled in with colour; the depiction of skin and flesh in multiple hues and rich textures are the artist's trademark. Asian art builds on the foundation of calligraphic contours, an aesthetic well known in the world. In fact, Pan's characteristically Asian female perspective and style add graceful charm to the canvas. Although the setting seems squarely confined within the European milieu, the two female figures display more of the sentiments of courtly ladies in classical literature. This is particularly evident in the figure facing the viewer who leans against the table, propping her chin with her eyes cast down. Her thoughts have extended beyond the picture frame, and the viewer's imagination runs with her into the distance. Among the Chinese artists who immigrated to France, Pan Yuliang established her fame with nudes, typified by deliberate touches of exaggerated humour. Her nude figures are conceived from the female vantage point that is filled with deep empathy, and the intrinsic beauty of the human physique is probed to the fullest extent.