Himalayan Forest 

Xu Beihong created this ink on paper work entitled "Himalayan Forest," sometime before his death in 1953. The monochrome landscape shows us a view of a forest on a mountainside, and demonstrates a combination of traditional ink wash painting techniques with Western realism, reflecting Xu's training in both Chinese and European art. Xu Beihong was a key figure in the development of modern Chinese art. He advocated for art to serve a social purpose, believing that it should reflect contemporary life and contribute to national progress. Xu was also an important figure in the development of Chinese art education. As a professor and later president of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, he reformed the curriculum to incorporate Western techniques while preserving traditional Chinese methods. Understanding the context of Xu Beihong's career, through research of his writings and the political climate of China at the time, helps us better understand the nuances of his artistic vision.