Oil on canvas

74 x 60.5 cm. 29 1/7 x 23 5/6 in.

Signed in English Abbreviation and dated on bottom left; dated, titled and signed in Chinese on the reverse
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from present Asian collector from the artist

Praising Nature and Life
Life Colour From Chen Junde

Chen Junde studied at the Stage Art Department of the Shanghai Theatre Academy from 1956 to 1960, during which time he decided to become a professional painter. Later, after devoting his life to oil painting, he witnessed and participated in the process of the opening up and modernization of the Chinese art world. Chen was one of the first Chinese artists to hold exhibitions abroad and gain international recognition after the great reform. This auction features two of his notable works from the 1980s to the 1990s, both of which show Chen's unique artistic concepts.

Ripples at Dusk
In 1980, as the political situation in China stabilized after the Cultural Revolution, Chen, along with Liu Haisu, Guan Liang, and Yan Wenliang, held a joint exhibition in Shanghai, which was an affirmation of Chen's exploration of art during the previous 20 years. Completed in 1982, Sunset on Riverboat (Lot 58) is a notable masterpiece, depicting Zhujiajiao Water Town located in the suburbs of Shanghai. By utilizing a single point perspective, he focuses the viewer's line of sight on the small bridge in the middle of the river, surrounded from both sides by brick houses painted with thick black lines. The houses behind the bridge gradually disappear in the distance and reflect in the narrow river. The work clearly shows that the artist was inspired by Cezanne's use of color and painting language: Chen painted a large area of the river utilizing short strokes and contrasting cold blues and warm oranges to depict the ripples of light at dusk.

A Poetic Road Lined with Trees
A Poetic Road (Lot 57) depicts a lavish street at the foot of a mountain. If one looks closely, the red roofs of the houses seem to overlap each other, beautifully contrasting with the green plants. The midground features a Western-style dome and spire rising above the trees, highlighting the characteristics of the local culture. In the distant view, a mountain can be seen stretching out into the sky among white clouds, as if the artist were looking upward while painting. Chen utilized freehand lines reminiscent of Fauvism and soft, elegant colors to depict a road full of sunshine, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere that highlights the calm and free-spirited attitude of his later years.

Price estimate:
HKD: 150,000 – 250,000
USD: 19,100 – 31,900

Auction Result:
HKD: 259,600