The artwork, titled “Portrait of a Shih-tao,” was completed in the year 1938 by the esteemed artist Qi Baishi. It is a part of the Ink and wash painting art movement and belongs to the genre of portraiture.
In the artwork, a figure is depicted seated, engrossed in the act of writing or painting, as evidenced by the brush held in the hand. The robe worn by the figure is captured in sweeping, expressive brushwork, characteristic of the fluid and dynamic style inherent to ink and wash painting. The composition is simple yet profound, highlighting the subject’s focused demeanor and the tranquil atmosphere of the scene. The bold and deliberate strokes, alongside delicate details, emphasize the artist’s mastery over the medium, conveying both the physical presence and the intrinsic essence of the figure.
