Artwork Description

Title: Second Uncle in Front of the Kiln
Artist: Xinlin Jiang
Date: 2010
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 23.6 x 28.9 in (60 x 73.3 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Second Uncle in Front of the Kiln is an evocative oil on canvas by Xinlin Jiang, completed in 2010 and measuring 60 by 73.3 cm. The painting portrays a middle-aged man crouched in front of a traditional brick kiln, caught in a moment of pause as he holds a cigarette thoughtfully to his lips. The subject's weathered features, plain clothing, and strong posture convey a life of labor and dignity. Jiang’s handling of form and tone lends an almost sculptural quality to the figure and the surrounding masonry.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
The painting reflects Jiang’s characteristic realist technique—meticulously rendered and emotionally grounded. With its earthy palette and tight composition, the work bears affinities to the Chinese socialist realism of the late 20th century, though with a more intimate, humanist approach. The artist’s use of chiaroscuro recalls Western classical portraiture while remaining firmly rooted in vernacular subject matter, blending narrative depth with technical mastery.

3. Historical Context
Created in 2010, this work coincides with a period when Chinese painters increasingly turned to personal histories and rural narratives as sources of artistic expression. The kiln, both a functional and symbolic structure, evokes themes of craftsmanship, tradition, and the continuity of rural labor. By identifying the sitter as “Second Uncle,” Jiang personalizes the scene, grounding it in familial memory and regional identity—underscoring the broader effort to preserve visual stories from everyday life.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The painting is in very good condition. The canvas remains taut and stable, with no visible signs of cracking, flaking, or discoloration. The surface is clean and the paint layer is secure, showing no evidence of restoration or previous conservation treatment.

6. Artistic Significance
Second Uncle in Front of the Kiln is a poignant example of Xinlin Jiang’s dedication to documenting rural life with both artistic sensitivity and cultural insight. The quiet gravitas of the figure, paired with the historical resonance of the kiln setting, results in a portrait that transcends mere depiction. It invites reflection on identity, labor, and memory—hallmarks of Jiang’s broader oeuvre and a valuable addition to any collection of contemporary Chinese realism.