Prior to the tenth century, people were the principal subjects of the painter's art in China. Even after the rise of landscape painting with all its poetic resonance, during the Northern Song Dynasty, the human form continued to occupy a prominent place in art. A painter of the present day, 61-year-old Wang Xijing established his reputation painting the likenesses of people of all ages. He's painted some important people in China ---distinguished statesmen, figures from History, sages, writers, scientists and artists. But on The List today, Wang Xijing is the man at the top.
Wang Xijing's 1984 work "Fading Footfall" -- his first masterpiece. It depicted the six reformers who sacrificed their lives in the Constitutional Reform and Modernization of 1898. The era was the late Qing Dynasty, during the reign of Emperor Guangxu.
Wang Xijing chose his subject carefully. 1984 was the year China embarked on its modern reforms. Wang empathized with the spirit of the six reformers -- concern for the Nation's destiny. Wang Xijing put his heart in the work.
Painter Wang Xijing said, "I felt then that reform was the only way for China. So, I devoted all my effort and passion to the cause of reform. I wanted my work to shout Reform, artistically and to represent the dauntless spirit of reform of the Chinese people. This work was painted for reformers -- those with lofty ideals, including today's Communist Party of China. I think we should prepare to sacrifice ourselves and walk ahead firmly while hearing the fading footfalls of our predecessors."
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