Nun 

Lin Fengmian made this ink and color painting, titled "Nun", at some point in the 20th century. Its seeming simplicity reflects a complex cultural and artistic negotiation. Fengmian spent time in France in the 1920s where he absorbed the ideas of modernism. On his return to China, he sought to reconcile these influences with traditional Chinese art forms. Here, the figure is rendered with a flattened perspective and bold outlines that echo both Cubism and traditional woodblock prints. The subject matter introduces another layer, with the Christian nun sitting in contrast to a Chinese audience more familiar with Buddhist or Taoist iconography. In the early 20th century, Christianity was often associated with Western imperialism in China. By choosing a religious figure as his subject, Fengmian may be questioning China's relationship with the West, whilst also exploring a universal theme of spirituality, relevant to China and beyond. Art history allows us to view a work of art within its specific time and place. Primary sources, such as letters or critical reviews, can offer contemporary perspectives, while later studies may reveal how its meaning has shifted over time.