The history of development of Chinese oil painting in the period from 1900 to 1949

Abstract

After the defeat in the Opium War of 1840, the Chinese Qing Government realized the advanced nature of Western technologies and culture and proceeded with comprehensive examination of the Western experience. The study of the Western painting by the Chinese artists became an important part of this process. The period from 1900 to 1949 was a pivotal stage in the history of development of the Chinese painting associated with the advent of the Chinese oil painting. This article analyzes the development trends in Chinese painting by means of comparison the corresponding historical documents that resemble the five cultural phenomena emerged in this period; as well as generalizes the stages of studying the Western painting in China during this historical period. The author also analyzes the contribution and impact of the Chinese students upon the development of Chinese oil painting, changes in the painting styles, as well as integration of the Chinese artistic experience in the Western oil painting. The peculiarities of the major associations of Chinese artists of this period are reviewed. The development trends of Chinese oil painting include five aspects. The study of Western painting in China was not an approval of the Western oil painting tradition, but rather a way to improve the outdated Chinese tradition as well as build up its international status. This is precisely why the Chinese government set an implicit goal to popularize the Western art of painting in China. The political reforms that took place in China of that time were an important factor, which contributed to cultural changes. The development of painting became one of the key factors in the development of Chinese culture and art.