Cat and Stone《猫石轴》

Xu Beihong (1895–1953)
Xu Beihong, originally named Shoukang, was a world-renowned calligrapher, painter, and art educator from Yixing, Jiangsu. He began his artistic education under the tutelage of his father and developed a deep passion for painting from an early age. In 1919, Xu traveled to France to further his studies, immersing himself in Western art traditions while traveling extensively throughout Western Europe. There, he gained a systematic understanding of Western painting techniques, which he later incorporated into his own works.

Upon returning to China, Xu Beihong became a professor at the Art Department of Central University and, after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, served as the president of the Central Academy of Fine Arts. Known for his expertise in sketching, oil painting, and Chinese painting, Xu was instrumental in bridging the gap between Western artistic methods and traditional Chinese painting. He developed a distinctive style that integrated Western techniques with Chinese subject matter, leaving a lasting influence on modern Chinese art.

“Cat and Stone” (1944)
This painting is a quintessential example of Xu Beihong’s animal portraiture, specifically his depiction of a civet cat. The composition captures the animal in a moment of quiet vigilance, as it crouches on a stone surface with its ears perked and paws firmly grasping the stone. The cat’s alert, suspicious, and timid nature is brought to life through Xu’s precise brushwork, which vividly conveys the animal’s habitual attentiveness.

The inscription reads:
“For the enjoyment of Mr. Hankun and Mrs. Jingyi. Written by Beihong in the spring of the 33rd year.”

Beneath the inscription is a red seal bearing the character “悲” (bei), which can be interpreted as expressing a sense of sorrow or melancholy. This seal, alongside the dedication, adds a personal touch to the painting, linking it to the recipients of the artwork.

As a typical example of Xu Beihong’s ability to infuse his subjects with both personality and vitality, this painting showcases his mastery of capturing the essence of animals, combining delicate observation with expressive brushstrokes. It also reflects his continued exploration of merging Western techniques with traditional Chinese forms, creating a unique artistic voice that remains influential to this day.

高逸鸿（1908—1982），别号兰香馆主，浙江杭州人。自幼随父学习诗文书画，曾请益于徐悲鸿、张书旂，后又与来楚生、白蕉、唐云等组织“天风书画社”。善花卉、翎毛、草虫，1949年后渡海赴台。早期作品偏重于水墨写生，晚期多写意，讲求以书入画。

高逸鸿此画作于1944年，虽属于早年作品，然笔墨清劲雅逸，气韵生动，显示了他深厚的功底。款题：“娟娟栀子花，皎皎颜色美。玉露洗光风，氤氲香透纸。甲申春月作于蜀中。逸鸿。”款下钤白文“高逸鸿”、朱文“雁高轩”二印。画右下角钤朱文“雁高轩书画记”印。