Mai Trung Thứ | 枚中栨 (梅忠恕)

Executed in 1952, La fenêtre is a testament to Mai Trung Thứ's exceptional skill in using ink and gouache on silk. This medium bestows a soft and ethereal quality upon the work, emphasizing the artist's meticulous attention to detail. The young woman depicted is clad in a traditional áo dài, her graceful posture and serene expression embodying the tranquility and nobility of Vietnamese women.

The circular window in the painting, a common feature in ancient Vietnamese houses and temples, is known as a "moon gate" or "moon window." These architectural elements not only define Vietnamese structures but also frame the natural beauty of the outdoors, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces and underscoring the harmony between nature and human habitation. The woman's gentle touch on the potted plant symbolizes nurturing and growth, while the overall soft color palette creates an atmosphere of serenity and harmony.

La fenêtre shares a similar composition with another of Mai Trung Thứ's 1952 works, Woman by the Window, sold in our Hong Kong room, 6th April 2023, lot 770. Both pieces depict a woman in a tranquil pose by a window, reflecting the artist's profound understanding of the inner elegance and everyday beauty of women.

In the early 20th century, the lives of Vietnamese women were deeply rooted in tradition and family values. The áo dài, often worn by these women, not only showcased their grace but also symbolized cultural pride. Mai Trung Thứ's paintings capture the tranquility and elegance of women's daily lives, paying tribute to their resilience and inner strength. His work is a celebration of the quiet dignity and enduring spirit of Vietnamese women, rendered with a delicate and masterful touch that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

《倚窗弄花》完成於1952年，彰顯了枚中栨在絲綢上運用水墨和水粉的高超技藝。此類媒材賦予作品柔和而空靈的質感，並突顯藝術家對細節的敏銳把握。畫中的年輕女子身著傳統奧黛，其優雅的姿態和沉靜的表情展現出越南女性的恬靜與高貴。

畫中的圓形窗戶常見於越南古厝和寺廟，被稱為「月門」或「月窗」。它們不僅是越南建築特色，也是戶外自然美景的框架，無縫地融合了室內和室外空間，強調了自然與人居環境的和諧。女子輕撫盆栽植物，寓意撫育和成長，畫面整體色調柔和，營造出一種寧靜和諧的氛圍。

《倚窗弄花》與枚中栨1952年創作的另一幅作品《窗邊的女子》構圖相似，後者於2023年4月6日在香港蘇富比拍賣，拍品編號770。兩件作品均描繪女子在窗邊的寧靜姿態，體現了藝術家對女性內在優雅和日常美的深刻理解。

在二十世紀初期，越南女性的生活深深扎根於傳統和家庭價值觀中。她們常身穿奧黛，既體現出越南女性的氣質，又象徵著文化自豪感。枚中栨的畫作捕捉到女性日常生活的寧靜與優雅，並向越南女性的韌性和內在力量致敬。