The artwork titled “Roosters and Chicks,” created by Xu Beihong in 1928, belongs to the ink and wash painting art movement and falls under the genre of animal painting.
In the artwork, Xu Beihong beautifully renders a serene and lively rural scene showcasing a rooster and hen accompanied by their young chicks. The rooster, poised with an authoritative stance, is vibrant in black and white feathers with a bright red comb, contrasting with the more subdued but equally detailed depiction of the hen. The hen appears attentive and nurturing as she watches over her chicks, who are depicted in delicate, light strokes conveying a sense of fragility and youthful innocence. The background portrays elements of nature, likely a grassy area with a tree, adding depth and context to the intimate family scene. The expert use of ink and wash techniques results in dynamic textures and fluidity, characteristic of this traditional Chinese painting style.
