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Xu Beihong (1895-1953) was born in Yixing, Jiangsu Province, and his original name was Shoukang. One of the founders of modern Chinese art, an outstanding painter and art educator. Xu Beihong's father is a slightly famous painter. He inherited his family education since childhood and studied Chinese ink painting. In 1918, he was invited by Cai Yuanpei to serve as a tutor at the Painting Research Society of Peking University. In 1919, he studied in France, and later in Berlin and Belgium to study sketching and oil painting. Learn painting and sketching, observe and study Western art. He returned to China in 1927 and successively served as the director of the Fine Arts Department of Shanghai Nanguo Art Institute, a professor of the Art Department of Central University, the dean of the Art School of Peking University, and the president of Peking Art College. After the founding of New China, he served as chairman of the first All-China Art Workers Association and president of the Central Academy of Fine Arts. Xu Beihong adhered to the path of realist art and created a series of outstanding works such as "Tian Heng Five Hundred Soldiers", "Nine Fang Gao", "Ba People Drawing Water", "Foolish Old Man Moves the Mountain", etc., which had a huge impact on the development of modern Chinese painting and oil painting. It has played a huge role in the history of Chinese art as a link between the past and the future.

1 year old in 1895 (Yiwei, the 21st year of Guangxu)

Born on July 19 in Qi (qǐ) Tingqiao Town, Yixing County, Jiangsu Province. His father, Xu Dazhang, was a private school teacher. He was good at poetry, calligraphy and painting. Mother Lu is engaged in housework. Xu Beihong is the eldest son in the family, and his original name is Shoukang.

In 1901 (the 27th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu), Xin Chou was 6 years old.

Learned the text and sentences from his father.

In 1902 (the 28th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu, Renyin), he was 7 years old.

He began to write and study calligraphy, scribbling every day, full of interest.

9 years old in 1904 (Jiachen, the 30th year of Guangxu)

Have read "Poetry", "Book", "Yi", "Li" and "Zuo Shi Zhuan" Waiting for books. He formally studied painting from his father, copying one painting by the famous late Qing artist Wu Youru every day, and began to learn painting skills such as color mixing and coloring.

In 1905 (Yisi, the 31st year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu), he was 10 years old.

Helped his father fill in colors on unimportant pictures. At the end of the year, I can help villagers write Spring Festival couplets.

In 1908 (Wushen, the thirty-fourth year of Guangxu), he was 13 years old.

He followed his father to nearby rural towns and made a living selling paintings.

In 1912 (the first year of the Republic of China, Renzi), he was 17 years old.

He went to Shanghai alone to sell paintings, and wanted to take the opportunity to learn Western painting to improve his painting level.

In 1914 (Jiayin, the third year of the Republic of China), he was 19 years old.

His father died of illness. In order to support her family, she returned to her hometown and began to work as an art teacher at Pengcheng Middle School. At the same time, she taught art at Shiqi Girls' School and Yixing Girls' School.

In 1915 (Yimao, the fourth year of the Republic of China), 20 years old

Came to Shanghai again. With the support of Huang Jingwan and Huang Zhenzhi, he studied law and German. Get to know painters Zhou Xiang, Gao Qifeng, Gao Jianfu and others.

In 1916 (Bingchen, the fifth year of the Republic of China), at the age of 21,

He was admitted to Aurora University sponsored by the French Catholic Church. He created a statue of Cangjie for the Jewish Hartung's "Hartung Garden" and received a high reward. He met Kang Youwei, the leader of the reform movement, and was deeply influenced by Kang Youwei in his calligraphy and painting.

In 1917 (Ding Si, the sixth year of the Republic of China), he was 22 years old.

Went to Tokyo, Japan to study art. After returning to China, at the invitation of Cai Yuanpei, he was hired as a tutor of Peking University's "Painting Technique Research Society". Get to know the famous literati Chen Shizeng.

In 1918 (Wuwu, the seventh year of the Republic of China), at the age of 23,

won the opportunity to study in France as a government official. Meeting with Lu Xun.

In 1919 (the end of the eighth year of the Republic of China), he was 24 years old.

In March, he and his wife Jiang Biwei went to France to study. Arriving in Paris in May, he entered Xu Liang Painting Academy for further study. Later, he was admitted to the Paris School of Fine Arts, where he was taught by Mr. Flamanger and received formal education in Western painting.

In 1920 (the ninth year of the Republic of China, Gengshen), he was 25 years old.

He became a disciple of the famous French painter Dayang.

In 1921 (the 10th year of the Republic of China), he was 26 years old.

He left Paris and moved to Berlin, Germany, where the economy was depressed, and studied under the painter Camp.

In 1922 (Renxu, the 11th year of the Republic of China), he was 27 years old

While studying at Camp, he went to the museum to copy the paintings of the famous painter Rembrandt, and often went to the zoo to paint. Various animals to improve sketching skills.

In 1923 (Guihai, the twelfth year of the Republic of China), he was 28 years old.

Returned to Paris, France to continue his studies. In May, the work "Old Woman" was selected into the French National Art Exhibition (Salon).

In 1924 (Jiazi, the 13th year of the Republic of China), he was 29 years old.

He did not receive the tuition fee from the Beiyang ***, and his life was in embarrassment, and his stomach trouble recurred. Painting techniques are becoming increasingly mature.

In 1925 (Yichou, the 14th year of the Republic of China), he was 30 years old.

Together with Huang Menggui, who traveled to France, he returned to China via Singapore. Tian Han held a "cold relief party" in Shanghai to introduce and recommend Xu and his works to people in the cultural circles.

In 1926 (Bingyin, the 15th year of the Republic of China), 31 years old

Returned to France in spring. In the summer, I went to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, and copied "Plenty" by the art master Jostein, and I benefited a lot. I feel that this year was the year in which I created the most works, including many of my proudest works, such as the oil paintings "The Sound of Flute" and "Sleep".

In 1927 (Ding Mao, the 16th year of the Republic of China), he was 32 years old.

He traveled to Switzerland and Italy, including Milan, Florence, Rome and other places. Introduction to Dong Xiwen, where he saw many paintings by famous artists. In May, 9 of his works were exhibited at the French National Art Exhibition. In autumn, he arrived in Shanghai and served as professor of the Art Department of National Sun Yat-sen University (later renamed Central University).

In 1928 (Wu Chen, the 17th year of the Republic of China), 33 years old

In January, he organized the "Nanguo Society" with Tian Han and Ouyang Yuqian. Established the Nanguo Art Institute in Shanghai and served as the director of the painting department. In February, he was appointed as a professor in the Art Department at Nanjing Central University. In October, he served as dean of the School of Art of Peking University and resigned at the end of the year.

In 1929 (the 18th year of the Republic of China), he was 34 years old.

He taught full-time at Nanjing Central University. In the "Art Exhibition Journal" of the First National Art Exhibition, he published articles such as "Confusion" and "Incomprehensible Confusion", criticizing the modern *** art school in the European art world and its influence on China. Promote realism and innovation in painting.

In 1930 (Genwu, the 19th year of the Republic of China), at the age of 35,

Completed the oil painting "Tian Heng's Five Hundred Men". In the summer, Fan Zhenhua, a woodcarving artist, was traveling in Nanchang, Jiangxi.

In the spring of 1931 (Xinwei, the 20th year of the Republic of China) at the age of 36, he held a personal exhibition in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Completed the seventh draft of "Jiu Fang Gao".

In 1932 (the 21st year of the Republic of China, Renshen) was 37 years old

Based on the "Six Methods" theory of Chinese painting proposed by Xie He of the Southern Qi Dynasty, it was proposed based on the artistic rules of Western painting The "Seven Methods" that should be followed in sketch creation are discussed.

In 1933 (the 22nd year of the Republic of China, Guiyou), at the age of 38,

Completed the oil painting "The Empress of Me". At the invitation of the French National Museum of Fine Arts, he went to Paris to hold an exhibition of modern Chinese paintings.

In 1934 (Jiaxu, the 23rd year of the Republic of China), he was 39 years old.

Traveled to famous historical and cultural cities such as Venice, Florence, and Rome in Italy. He held modern Chinese painting exhibitions in Berlin, Germany, Moscow and Leningrad in the former Soviet Union to promote traditional Chinese painting. During this trip to Europe, 7 exhibitions were held in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Soviet Union, and four "Modern Chinese Art Exhibition Rooms" were established in major museums and universities. This European tour of modern Chinese paintings has attracted widespread attention from various countries and promoted the art of Chinese painting. In August, he returned to Nanjing.

In 1935 (Yihai, the 24th year of the Republic of China), he was 40 years old.

Donated his works and collections and planned to build an art museum under the Duxiu Peak in Guilin, Guangxi. However, due to the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War across the country, the museum was not Can be achieved.

In 1936 (Bingzi, the 25th year of the Republic of China), at the age of 41,

Organized the painting group "Silent Society" with Wang Yachen, Yan Wenliang and others. He created paintings such as "Backwind", "Meditation", and "Willow Magpie".

In 1937 (the 26th year of the Republic of China, Ding Chou) was 42 years old.

He held art exhibitions in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Changsha and other places. In Hong Kong, I bought the volume "Eighty-seven Immortals" painted by a Song Dynasty artist that I regard as my life. In October, he moved to Chongqing with the Central University. Created "Ba People Drawing Water".

In 1938 (Wu Yin, the 27th year of the Republic of China), he was 43 years old.

He continued to teach in the Art Department of Central University. Accepted the invitation of the famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore to prepare for an exhibition in India. In October, he left Chongqing with a large number of works.

In 1939 (Ji Mao, the 28th year of the Republic of China), at the age of 44,

held a relief painting exhibition in Singapore. An exhibition of modern Chinese paintings was held at the International University in India.

In 1940 (the 29th year of the Republic of China, Gengchen), he was 45 years old.

He continued to stay in India and forged a deep friendship with Rabindranath Tagore. Exhibition of works held in Kolkata. Completed the Chinese painting "The Foolish Old Man Moves the Mountain".

In 1941 (the 30th year of the Republic of China), he was 46 years old.

Returned from India and passed through Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and other places. He held art exhibitions and sold his paintings for several years. All the proceeds of nearly 100,000 US dollars were donated to the war and disaster relief.

In 1942 (Renwu, the 31st year of the Republic of China), at the age of 47,

held art exhibitions in Baoshan and Kunming, Yunnan. He went to Chongqing and continued to teach in the Art Department of Central University. Preparations were made for the establishment of the China Academy of Art in Panxi, Chongqing.

In 1943 (Guiwei, the 32nd year of the Republic of China), at the age of 48,

continued to preside over the establishment of the China Academy of Art. Hold an art exhibition in Chongqing.

In 1944 (Jiashen, the 33rd year of the Republic of China), he was 49 years old

Due to long-term fatigue, severe hypertension and chronic nephritis, he was treated in the Central Hospital for 7 months. His works Sharp decrease.

In 1945 (Yiyou, the 34th year of the Republic of China), at the age of 50,

Divorced Ms. Jiang Biwei. Although he has not recovered from his serious illness, he still insists on teaching in the Art Department of Central University. Signed the "Cultural Circle's Comments on the Current Situation" drafted by Guo Moruo, advocating the abolition of the Communist Party of China.

In 1946 (Bingxu, the 35th year of the Republic of China), he was 51 years old.

In January, he married Ms. Liao Jingwen. He served as the principal of Peking Art College and recruited a number of talented and progressive artists such as Wu Zuoren, Li Hua, Ye Qianyu, and Feng Fasi to teach. Served as the honorary president of the Peking Art Workers Association.

In 1947 (Ding Hai, the 36th year of the Republic of China), he was 52 years old.

Published important articles such as "Steps in the Establishment of New Chinese Painting" and "Art Issues in Current China".

In 1948 (Wuzi, the 37th year of the Republic of China), he was 53 years old.

He and his wife Liao Jingwen refused to move south with the Communist Party, and united all the teachers, students and staff of Beiping Art College to protect the school. Established a comprehensive art group "127 Art Society" with Wu Zuoren, Ai Zhongxin, Dong Xiwen, Feng Fasi and others.

In 1949 (the 38th year of the Republic of China), he was 54 years old.

Attended the First Congress for the Defense of World Peace held in Prague, the capital of the former Czechoslovak Republic. National Congress of Literary and Art Workers. He was elected as a national member of the All-China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, a standing member of the National Committee of the Federation of Literary and Art Circles, a representative of the first National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a member of the Beijing Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference. Served as president of the Central Academy of Fine Arts.

In 1950 (Gengyin) 55 years old

Portraits of fighting heroes at the National Congress of Fighting Heroes and Model Workers. He drew a large number of sketches and compositions for the creation of "Chairman Mao Among the People".

In 1951 (Xin Mao) at the age of 56

After falling ill, he went to the construction site of Daoshu Renovation Water Conservancy Project in Shandong to experience life, portraits of model workers and migrant workers, and collect materials reflecting the construction of New China. In July, he suffered from cerebral hemorrhage and hemiplegia.

1952 (Renchen) 57 years old

He was ill and bedridden for more than a year, and the symptoms of cerebral hemorrhage have not been completely eliminated. Since September, physical exercise has been strengthened.

In 1953 (Guisi), 58 years old

When ill, he guided the teaching work of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, lecturing for graduating students, and teaching oil painting and sketching training groups for teachers. Painted "Running Horse" for the volunteers who resisted U.S. aggression and aided Korea. On September 23, while serving as the executive chairman of the Second Literary Congress, cerebral hemorrhage recurred. He died in Beijing Hospital on the morning of the 26th. Premier Zhou Enlai went to express his condolences. Buried at Babaoshan Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery in Beijing.