Page 293 - 亚洲二十世纪及当代艺术

Wong generally divided Sanyu’s sketches curves that are both complex and simple.
into two categories to distinguish a Lady Reading Newspaper (Lot 73) is also an exemplary work of the artist’s pencil and
fundamental difference in his drawing charcoal sketching. The main character in the painting is a refined and elegant lady
style: some with shading or outline sitting in a café, wearing fashionable cloche hat and a pearl necklace. Her earring is
silhouettes and the others with just faintly visible on the side of her face, and she holds a newspaper, with her shoulder
unembellished line. The former were slightly bent, sitting at a 90-degree angle. Like the technique used in Standing Nude,
created using a combination of pencils Sanyu initially sketches the figure with fine pencil lines, then overlays charcoal to create
and charcoal, while the latter were mostly shadows. However, in this piece, the charcoal lines are more intertwined and cover a
depicted using a traditional Chinese wider area, presenting the flowing and delicate texture of the woman’s clothing in a
brush. The works in this auction embody silken manner, making the composition more full-bodied. The pearl necklace, drawn
both styles.
in a circular manner, adds the finishing touch, with each delicate circle amidst the
Flowing Ink in the Peaceful Years intricate charcoal strokes revealing the delicacy and indolence of French women. The
“My original motivation for learning woman spreads the newspaper on her legs, gently lowering her head, flipping through it
to paint is curiosity about the gracefully, charming and serene.
secrets of the human body. You Amidst the Boundless River, Only a Single Drop of Ink Is Taken
say I look poor, yes, I am truly poor, “As for the form, I have pushed simplicity until indicating only what is
unable to afford food or clothing, strictly essential...... sobriety, with its suggestive force, is richer, more
but as for models – I just couldn’t infinite.”
cut back on that. Appreciation of
the beauty of the human body has — Sanyu
become a physiological requirement The other two works in the auction feature the same short-haired beauty, drawn with a
for me, a necessary luxury, an brush from different angles. Both adopt a diagonal composition, exaggeratedly enlarging
irresistible addiction; I would rather the legs of the main character from a low perspective, the woman’s side-sitting posture.
eat less and save a few francs to The figure’s movement suggests a hidden chair and pen in hand. The simple yet precise
hire more models...” strokes present a woman lost in thought with a calm and focused demeanour, amidst the
— Sanyu interplay of curves and straight lines.

Sanyu had a fondness for models with a In Reclining Lady (Lot 74), dense ink flows from the figure’s left shoulder down to the hem
sense of strength and height and Standing of her skirt, outlining the contour of her legs. As the ink colour gradually fades, depicting
Nude (Lot 75) is the only nude artwork in the thick Mary Jane shoes, straight coat, delicate hands, and finally, using simple yet
Habart’s collection that is up for auction powerful strokes, outlining the character’s facial features and short hair, highlighting the
this time. It is a classic portrayal of the unique proportion of the head and body. The plump calves and restrained posture of the
female form. Using a combination of feet are in contrast to the slender body. The main character’s left hand is positioned as if
pencils and charcoal, the artist’s lines holding a pen, exuding a graceful and composed demeanour.
are soft and agile, like brushstrokes in In Lady Profile (Lot 76), Sanyu observes the woman from a side angle, starting from her
calligraphy, effortlessly rendering the neck and following the ink flow down to the hem of her dress while concealing the “thighs
figure’s torso. The main character folds of the universe” beneath the dress. The strokes are deliberately
her hands together, with her face pressing elongate like floating silk, revealing the exposed calves with elegant
against them in a prayer position. The and concise lines. She lightly lifts her hand, holding nothing in
facial features, curly hair, and navel of her hand, yet her movement suggests that she is adjusting the
the figure are sketched with minimalistic position of the paper on her leg. The interplay between reality
circles and curves. The woman’s head is and illusion in the artwork creates a sense of harmony
deliberately shrunk, while her voluptuous evoking new interpretations.
body and exaggerated limbs are displayed
gracefully, exuding extraordinary tension. Writer Yang Jiang once said, “The soul is born alone.”
The charcoal smudging on the pencil lines Sanyu, who lived a life of wandering, remained free and
emphasizes the contour lines, creating unconstrained, turning his endless love for art into spiritual
a balance between reality and illusion. charm on paper. These women have nothing to do with
The toes, which resemble a comb shape, romance, they exist in their own independent world on the
are intricately depicted, presenting a paper. The fleeting shadows of 20th century Paris are vividly
sharp contrast with the voluptuous body, captured, and as we gaze at these artworks, it feels as if we
highlighting the sensuality of the piece. could embrace them across time and space. Sanyu devoted his
With her chin slightly lowered, the woman entire life to the lonely pursuit of art, leaving behind a “silence” that
in the painting gazes at the viewer with resonates with future generations, allowing us to each find our
a variety of expressions, revealing the own connection and detachment within the melodious rhythm.
appreciation of the female form and
leaving a lasting impression of the elegant

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