The artwork titled “Drunkard” by the renowned artist Qi Baishi, created in 1935, belongs to the Ink and wash painting movement. This piece falls within the genre painting category, which emphasizes scenes from everyday life.
In this particular artwork, the viewer is presented with a simple yet evocative image rendered in the traditional ink and wash technique. The focal point is a lone figure, seemingly in a disheveled state, depicted with loose, expressive strokes. The person appears to be slumped over, enveloped in flowing garments, embodying a sense of exhaustion or inebriation. This portrayal captures a poignant moment of human vulnerability. The composition is accentuated by the stark contrast between the black ink and the white background, which brings a certain austerity and depth to the scene. Adding to the composition is the artist’s calligraphy in the upper right corner, which harmonizes with the visual elements, creating a balanced and thought-provoking piece.
