The artwork titled “Three Ducks,” created by Xu Beihong in 1938, belongs to the Expressionism and Ink and wash painting art movements and falls under the genre of animal painting.
“Three Ducks” is a delicate composition rendered with ink and wash techniques, capturing three ducks in a serene natural environment. The artwork skillfully juxtaposes the rich, dark tones of the ducks’ feathers against the softer hues of their surroundings, creating a harmonious balance. The ducks are depicted in a moment of mundane activity, each positioned differently, which adds a dynamic element to the scene. Tall, wispy grasses and a large tree trunk form the backdrop, highlighting Xu Beihong’s competence in portraying nature with expressive brushstrokes. This piece reflects the artist’s adeptness at combining traditional Chinese painting methods with a modern sensibility, encapsulating a moment of stillness and simplicity.
