“A Portrait of an Indian Lady,” created by Xu Beihong in 1940, is a notable work within the Realism movement. This portrait exemplifies Beihong’s mastery in portraying the distinct characteristics and emotions of his subjects. The artwork falls under the genre of portraiture and captures the elegance and dignity of the Indian lady being depicted.
The artwork presents a monochrome drawing of a woman draped in a traditional Indian sari. Her serene expression and direct gaze convey a sense of calm and introspection. The delicate lines and shading employed by Xu Beihong highlight the contours of her face and the folds of her sari, lending the portrait a tactile realism. The woman’s elaborate necklace and the intricate detailing of her attire further emphasize her graceful presence. Additionally, the artist’s inscriptions in the lower right corner add an element of cultural authenticity and personal touch to the portrait.
