Lot 228: LIAO CHI-CHUN (LIAO JICHUN)

LIAO CHI-CHUN (LIAO JICHUN) 1902-1976 SEINE RIVER Signed in Chinese and dated 1963.5 (lower left) oil on masonite 31.5 by 41 cm.; 12 3/8 by 16 1/8 in.

Liao Chi Chun, National Museum of History, Taipei, Taiwan, 1976, relevant sketch, p.82
Taiwan Fine Arts Series: Liao Chi Chun, Artist Publishing Co., Taipei, Taiwan, 1992, p.215, relevant painting illustrated

Executed in 1963, Seine River contrasts a creamy white arch with the crystal-blue running waterway. The pedestrian and trees on the riverbank, as well as the boats about to pass through the bridge, all energize the painting with a lively, vivid, and abundant source of vitality. However, Liao Chi-Chun does not lose sight of the most iconic landmark in Paris – Notre Dame de Paris. Supplemented with purple flying clouds, the highest triangular clock tower is depicted in black along with highlights of red windows, forming very rich and colourful images with smooth tones. This painting is comparable to his other work, The Ancient Castle in Spain as both are the most representative pieces of Liao Chi-Chun's abstract-figurative flavour, which thoroughly simplifies the shape and figurative parts, reaching the pinnacle of his art creation.