高劍父 (1879-1951) 梅魂

款識：
廿六年六月十二日為梅魂畫。劍父於金陵。

鈐印：「崙」、「劍父」。

-Paper has turned greyish. Light foxing, especially at the bottom of the painting, and creases at the lower left corner and upper right can be found, which can be improved by restoration. Otherwise, generally in good condition.
"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."

註：據廣東省博物館藏〈文藝因緣〉冊，內收書畫文藝界名家廿一人於一九三六至三七年間之作，包括徐悲鴻及嶺南畫派諸家等，上款皆「梅魂女士」。另據同任教於南京中央大學之徐悲鴻、陳之佛有致「梅魂女士」信札各一通，函面書「陳梅魂女士」，即民國時期活躍於滬上文壇之詩人。

從上述冊中，高劍父於不同時期寫贈書畫共五開之多，題材皆花卉。本幅寫於抗戰爆發前，以老幹紅梅入畫，梅花為國花，既寓其名，亦喻「國魂」之意，於國難當頭之際，蓋有深意。

參考資料：
〈文藝因緣〉冊可參見〈論徐悲鴻與嶺南畫派之關係：以《文藝因緣》冊為例〉，朱萬章撰，收錄於〈美術研究〉總第111期，（二○○三年，中央美術學院）