Resting on the Willow Bank《柳岸高憩图轴》

Lin Fengmian (1900–1991)
Originally named Fengming, Lin Fengmian was a distinguished painter and educator, recognized both in China and internationally. Born in Meixian, Guangdong, he embarked on his artistic journey in 1919, traveling to France to study alongside Xu Beihong and Zhang Daofan. During his time in Europe, Lin pursued his studies in Western painting, furthering his education in both France and Germany. His early works were primarily in oil painting, although he also explored traditional Chinese subjects such as landscapes, flowers, birds, and figures, using ink and wash techniques.

In the 1930s, Lin turned his focus toward the reform of traditional Chinese painting, seeking to merge Western techniques with Chinese artistic forms. His works, such as those depicting autumn ducks, white cranes, maple forests, water lilies, and ladies, are known for their uniqueness and have played a pivotal role in the evolution of modern Chinese art. His integration of Western and Chinese styles marked a milestone in the history of Chinese painting.

Resting on the Willow Bank (1944)
Created in 1944, this painting is an early example of Lin Fengmian’s mature fusion of Chinese and Western artistic traditions. The composition features five night herons resting on the graceful branches of a willow tree. The artist employs bold outlines and vibrant tones, with rich, expressive ink that enhances the natural beauty of the scene. Though the work leans towards abstraction, a careful observation reveals a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere, evoking a sense of realism that draws the viewer into the painting’s world.

The painting is signed: “Lin Fengmian, 1944, Shanghai,” and bears a red seal beneath the signature reading “Lin Fengmian Seal,” marking the authenticity of the work.

This piece encapsulates Lin Fengmian’s innovative approach, blending Western influences with traditional Chinese aesthetics in a strikingly original manner.

林风眠（1900—1991），原名凤鸣，享誉海内外的画家、艺术教育家，广东梅县人。1919年与徐悲鸿、张道藩同期赴法国留学，先后在法国、德国学习西画。早年创作以油画为主，兼画水墨山水、花鸟、人物。30年代后，致力于变革传统绘画的探索，历经多年，探索出一条中西融合的道路，多画秋鹜、白鹤、枫林、睡莲、瓶花、仕女等，别具一格，在我国绘画史的发展中具有里程碑的意义。

此画作于1944年，是林风眠中西融合风格初步成熟时期的作品。图中所绘为五只夜鹭在柳枝上休憩的情景，作品以线勾色染，色调明朗，水墨淋漓，虽然抽象，但细品一切都那么自如平和，给人以置身画境的真实感。款署：“林风眠，卅三年，上海。”款下钤朱文“林风眠印”。