Research On Ren Bonian’s "Pictorial" Theme

Chinese portrait is the most famous and important category of painting in Tang Dynasty,which is independent and different with figure painting,Buddhist painting and beauty portrait.However,Chinese portrait had been classified in figure painting since Song Dynasty because of some reasons,it descended to the skill of craftsman,and had been ignored by artists and historians.Until the late of 19^th century,Chinese portrait had started the first renaissance in art history,in this period,Bonian Ren was the most crucial portrait painter.The dissertation will focus on six Chinese portrait works which was created by Bonian Ren for Changshuo Wu,and discuss it in three parts.The first part is going to expound the origin and development of Chinese portrait,the rise and fall of status in art history and the relationship between art categories of Chinese portrait,freehand and sketch.The second part will begin from the relationship between Bonian Ren and Changshuo Wu,such as their friendship,faculty and entertainment,take six Chinese portrait products in Shanghai Style culture of the late of 19^th century,to research Bonian Ren how to approach traditional aesthetic concept and foreign culture,traditional and western technique,and how to deal with self-identity and social activities in Shanghai Style culture.In terms of the third part,the art features of these six works,influence of Chinese art history,and the meaning of portrait creation,and so on.The author believes that“try to be different”is the most principle characteristics,and it is also the most precious spiritual heritage.