Xu Beihong Rids the Tiger and the God of Wealth Axis

[Xu Beihong’s Image of the God of Wealth Riding a Tiger]

The “Image of the God of Wealth Riding a Tiger” axis, modern and contemporary, painted by Xu Beihong, paper based, colored, 78.5cm vertically and 55cm horizontally
Self title: “Painting cats is also a lifetime, and it’s quite difficult to camp and earn gold. Please note that Brother Zhao has no other intention. Tiger (see) He is very happy riding a tiger. Guiwei wrote a copy on the first day of the year, and Shu Huaren provided for him. Sad Hong.” Seal “Sad Hong” with the seal of Zhu Wenfang and “Xu” with the seal of Zhu Wenyuan
The year of Guiwei was 1943, and Xu Beihong was 48 years old
In the title, “Brother Zhao” refers to Marshal Zhao, who is said to be able to attract wealth and treasure in folklore. As an auspicious painting, this picture has elements of imagination and exaggeration. Zhao Gong, a big man with a square face, was wearing armor, a blue robe, and official boots. He rode majestically on the back of a tiger. The tiger, known as the “King of Beasts,” was tamed like a sick cat, completely without domineering influence
During his study in Germany, Xu Beihong learned from oil painter CommScope. While copying Rembrandt’s paintings in museums, he also often went to the zoo to paint lions, tigers, horses and other animals to improve his sketching ability. The beasts in the zoo are enclosed in semicircular enclosures, which allows Xu Beihong to observe their fur, muscles, body shape, and various movements from multiple sides and different angles of view
The tiger in this painting is painted in light color ink and small freehand brushwork. Its fur is first dyed with ochre halo, and when the water is not dry, it is painted with uneven length and well-arranged textures. The ink lines are dispersed on the wet paper, and its virtual and solid ink effect naturally reflects the fine texture of the tiger’s hair.