“Running Horse,” created in 1941 by Xu Beihong, is an artwork representing the Expressionism and ink and wash painting movements, falling under the genre of animal painting.
The artwork depicts a lively and vigorous horse in mid-gallop, painted with dynamic and fluid brushstrokes characteristic of traditional Chinese ink and wash techniques. The horse’s form is rendered with a blend of strong, bold lines and softer, more delicate shades, capturing both the kinetic energy and elegance of the animal. The restrained use of color, primarily black with subtle hints of red, emphasizes the horse’s power and grace while allowing the viewer to appreciate the mastery of Xu Beihong’s technique. The simplicity of the background further accentuates the horse as the focal point, conveying a sense of motion and freedom.
