Geese by the Reeds《芦雁图轴》

Wu Qingxia (1910–2008)
Wu Qingxia, birth name Wude Shu, also known as Longcheng Nushi and Zhuxiang Gezhu, was a renowned modern female painter from Changzhou, Jiangsu. She began painting at a very young age, gaining recognition by her teenage years. Wu had profound skills in landscape, figure, and bird-and-flower paintings. In her middle age, she became known for her paintings of carp and reed geese, establishing a unique style that brought her fame. In the 1960s, she created the “Nine Carp Picture,” which was printed in hundreds of thousands of copies, gaining widespread popularity. Her lifelike carp paintings earned her the nickname “Carp Wu.”

“Geese by the Reeds” (1939)
Wu Qingxia’s bird-and-flower paintings followed the traditions of Yun Shouping, Hua Yan, and Bian Shoumin, while also reflecting contemporary influences. Her accurate depictions and adept combination of fine and freehand brushwork resulted in vibrant, clear, and graceful paintings, appreciated by both refined and popular audiences. This reed geese painting, inspired by Bian Shoumin, is one of her favored subjects. The composition highlights the desolate autumn atmosphere with an open river and dark clouds, while the geese’s varied postures add pastoral charm. Compared to Bian Shoumin’s simple and concise style, Wu Qingxia’s work exhibits a bright and accessible modern touch.

吴青霞（1910—2008），近现代著名女画家，学名吴德舒，号龙城女史，别署篆香阁主，江苏常州人。她习画甚早，十余岁即享画名，山水、人物、花鸟都有相当深厚的功底。中年后喜绘鲤鱼、芦雁，匠心独运，以此闻名于世。六十年代曾创作“九鲤图”，出版数十万张，名震大江南北。她画鲤鱼得形入神，有“鲤鱼吴”之雅称。

吴青霞花鸟祖述恽寿平、华嵒、边寿民诸家，又受时风影响较大，造型准确，擅长兼工带写，笔墨劲挺流畅，色彩明洁秀丽，雅俗共赏。此幅芦雁图主取法边寿民，是吴青霞最擅长的题材之一。画面以空阔的河面和阴暗的云天衬托出秋天的萧瑟气氛，芦雁姿态各异，充满了田园意趣。相对于边寿民的古朴凝练来说，吴青霞更有新时代的鲜亮感，更为通俗直观。