Artwork Description

Title: Portrait
Artist: Yu Jun
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 24.8 x 14.6 in (63 x 37 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
In this evocative ink and watercolor portrait, Yu Jun captures a moment of intense introspection and physical expression. The figure is drawn in a dynamic twist, her face lifted in a gesture that borders on ecstasy or contemplation. Loose, fluid brushstrokes describe the subject’s cascading hair and textured garments, while the translucent washes create a sense of depth and sensuality. The vertical format emphasizes the body’s curve and flow, making it a striking piece in both form and sentiment.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Yu Jun’s artistic approach blends traditional Chinese fine-line painting (gongbi) with a contemporary realism that echoes Western fashion illustration and figurative expressionism. His sensitivity to the human form—particularly feminine subjects—is enhanced by an elegant economy of line and muted color palette. The composition bears stylistic similarities to Egon Schiele’s contour-heavy nudes, but is softened by Jun’s East Asian aesthetic and technical restraint.

3. Historical Context
Created in a time when Chinese contemporary art has increasingly embraced personal narratives and global influences, this portrait is emblematic of a generation of artists that merge heritage with individuality. In contrast to earlier propagandist or ideological figuration, Yu Jun’s work privileges emotion, sensuality, and inner life. The figure’s pose and clothing reflect a modern sensibility while drawing on traditional techniques that ground it within the Chinese literati tradition.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The paper remains clean and stable, and there are no signs of foxing, discoloration, or moisture damage. The frame shows only light wear consistent with age and handling and does not detract from presentation quality.

6. Artistic Significance
Yu Jun continues to stand out for his psychologically nuanced, technically refined portraits of women. This piece demonstrates his hallmark qualities—an eye for emotional gesture, mastery of brush control, and sensitivity to the subtleties of the human form. It is a compelling addition to any collection of contemporary Chinese figurative art and speaks eloquently to the evolving discourse on beauty, gender, and identity in the modern era.