Study for The Foolish Old Man. 1940

"Study for The Foolish Old Man" (1940) is a study by Xu Beihong (1895-1953), a prominent Chinese artist. This study, while not as famous as his completed work, offers insight into Beihong's artistic process. It depicts a group of figures in a landscape setting, likely a scene from the Chinese folktale "The Foolish Old Man Who Moved Mountains." Beihong is known for his use of realism and bold brushstrokes, evident even in this preparatory sketch. The composition and figures are reminiscent of Chinese painting traditions, yet infused with Beihong's individual style. This work is a valuable resource for art historians and those interested in the artistic journey of Xu Beihong.