Artwork Description

Title: Astringent
Artist: Xinlin Jiang
Date: 2012
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 90 x 120.5 cm (35.4 x 47.4 in)

1. Artwork Identification
“Astringent” is a poignant oil portrait painted by Xinlin Jiang in 2012, featuring a young girl with weather-reddened cheeks set against a panoramic view of a village nestled in an autumnal or early-winter landscape. The girl's introspective gaze and the earthy tones of the countryside evoke a deep emotional resonance.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Jiang’s composition fuses realist portraiture with impressionistic treatment of background detail. His brushwork brings both softness and texture to the skin, enhancing the natural expression of the subject, while the rural environment is rendered with atmospheric depth. His practice aligns with a Chinese realist tradition that focuses on the everyday dignity of rural life.

3. Historical Context
Completed in 2012, this work sits within Jiang’s broader thematic focus on youth and rural identity in China. The flushed face and contemplative expression of the child reflect the realities of life in colder regions and suggest emotional nuance tied to the resilience of rural children.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
This painting is in very good condition. The canvas surface is stable, the colors remain vibrant, and there is no visible craquelure or restoration. The edges and structure are well preserved.

6. Artistic Significance
“Astringent” stands out for its psychological depth and intimate portrayal of rural childhood. It highlights Jiang’s sensitivity to his subjects and his mastery of oil as a medium, offering collectors a deeply expressive work rich in regional character and narrative power.