Xu Beihong
China, 1895-1953
Artist's works
Artist Profile
Old Man under Cypress Trees
Introduction and Experience
Xu Beihong (1895–1953), originally named Xu Shoukang, was born in Yixing, Jiangsu, and is a foundational figure of modern Chinese painting and art education. Proficient in both oil painting and ink painting, Xu traveled to Paris in 1919 on a government scholarship to study at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, where he was deeply influenced by European Realism.
Upon returning to China, Xu advocated for the modernization of Chinese art, integrating the expressive spirit of traditional ink brushwork with the structural rigor, light, and anatomical precision of Western painting. Guided by his philosophy of "achieving the grandest scale while exhausting the finest details," his work spans historical subjects, portraits, landscapes, and animals, with his dynamic depictions of galloping horses becoming enduring symbols of vitality and national spirit.
As a pioneering educator, Xu established modern academic art training in China. Alongside Yan Wenliang, Lin Fengmian, and Liu Haisu, he is recognized as one of the historic “Four Great Academy Presidents.” Through his advocacy of life drawing, realist training, and international exhibitions—including the landmark Exhibition of Contemporary Chinese Paintings in Paris in 1933—Xu Beihong played a defining role in introducing modern Chinese art to an international audience.
Exhibitions and Awards
Selected Exhibitions
Group Exhibitions
2026
Between Brush and Ink: Friendship and Integrity Under the Master’s Brush —Chan Liu Art Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
2025
The River of Time: Witnessing the Cultural Influx of Chinese Artists in France —Chan Liu Art Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
2024
Riding the Wind for Thousands of Miles: Exhibition of Fine Art Masterpieces Returned from Japan —Chan Liu Art Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
Top 100 "UGSIFF" Famous Artists International Exhibition / 6th "Save the Planet" / "North American International Festival of Arts" —World Cultural & Creative Industry Academic & Economic Trade Association, China, International
2023
Reflection : Twelve Aesthetic Proposals by Xizhitang—Xizhitang, Taipei, Taiwan
2022
Xu Beihong: The Grand Master Series Exhibition —Chan Liu Art Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
2020
Xu Beihong : Grand Exhibition of Centenary Masters in the Chinese World—Jing Museum, Taichung, Taiwan
The Vanguard of Art: Chinese Masters Abroad in France of The 20th Century —Chan Liu Art Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
2018
Ditu Art 2018 5th Anniversary Spring Auction—Ditu Art Auction, Taipei, Taiwan
2017
An Auspicious Year of the Rooster: Famous Paintings of Chickens —The Humor of Calligraphers and Painters, National Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
2016
Poly Auction Hong Kong 2016 Spring Auction Taipei Preview—Poly Auction Hong Kong, Taipei, Taiwan
1933
Exhibition of Modern Chinese Painting—Paris, France
Collections
Private Collections
- Works are held in private collections in Taiwan and China.