Painting by Xu Beihong donated to China Art Museum

A famous painting by Xu Beihong called "Rooster and Goat" has been donated by the Yi family to the China Art Museum in Shanghai. It's the first ever painting by Xu to hang in the museum.

A famous painting by Xu Beihong called "Rooster and Goat" has been donated by the Yi family to the China Art Museum in Shanghai. It's the first ever painting by Xu to hang in the museum.

The painting was created while Xu lived in Guilin in 1936. At that time, he was staying with his good friend, Yi Dunwu. Because Yi was born in the year of Goat and his wife was born in the year of Rooster, Xu Beihong made the painting for the couple as a thank-you gift. The Yi family has kept the painting in good condition for over 70 years. And with the rising value of Xu's art in China, the donation makes a particularly special gift for the museum.

Xu Beihong's works are known for their impeccable composition, extensive scenes and rich characters. During his life, Xu also devoted his heart and soul to the education of new artists.