Xu Beihong’s Galloping Horse with Flying Mane

Object ID: 00105340

Galloping Horse with Flying Mane, Modern era, Xu Beihong. Ink and color on paper, 41.4 cm × 52.3 cm.

Inscription: “To Mr. Jusheng and Madam on their wedding. Painted in August of the 37th year by Beihong as a gift.” Sealed with “Jiangnan Buyi” (Red Square Seal) and “A Scholar’s Sentiment” (White Square Seal).

Historical Context

The “37th year” refers to 1948 (37th year of the Republic of China), when Xu Beihong was 53 years old. The inscription reveals this was a wedding gift for Mr. Jusheng and an unnamed bride, as the artist was unacquainted with the woman.

Artistic Significance

The painting captures a spirited steed galloping freely across an open landscape. Xu Beihong (1895-1953) is celebrated for his horse paintings, which typically symbolize untamed freedom. Unlike his 1931 work Jiufang Gao (featuring a bridled horse), most of his equine subjects lack reins, saddles, or riders—embodying liberation in the artist’s vision.

This late-career masterpiece blends Western anatomical precision with Chinese ink-wash expressiveness. Bold brushstrokes delineate the horse’s muscular structure and flowing mane, while the dynamic composition highlights its unrestrained vitality.

Author: Li Shi
Keywords: Xu Beihong, saddle, Jiufang Gao, horse depiction