“Put Down Your Whip,” created by artist Xu Beihong in 1939, is an oil painting rendered in the style of Realism. The artwork, classified as a genre painting, measures 144 by 90 centimeters and is presently housed in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a vibrant and evocative scene set in what appears to be a rural village. The focal point is a kneeling woman, depicted in elaborate and traditionally patterned attire, holding a bright red cloth in her mouth. Her expression conveys a mix of performance and emotion, suggesting she might be part of a theatrical or public performance. The backdrop is lively with onlookers, consisting of men, women, and children, whose varied expressions range from curiosity to engagement. The setting is enriched with details of village life, highlighting the environment and the sociocultural context of the scene. The artist’s realism is evident in the detailed depiction of the characters’ clothing, postures, and facial expressions, capturing a moment frozen in both time and emotion.
