Artwork Description

Title: Sparrow Skit 14
Artist: Guoyong Zhang
Date: 2016
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 40 x 40 cm (15.7 x 15.7 in)

1. Artwork Identification
Sparrow Skit 14 is part of Guoyong Zhang’s celebrated series of sparrow-themed paintings, capturing a tender and quietly animated moment between two birds perched on a fruit-laden branch. The composition is delicate and balanced, with the sparrows rendered in a style that merges observational precision with lyrical softness.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Zhang’s work is notable for its fusion of classical Chinese aesthetics with Western oil techniques. Here, he channels the tradition of bird-and-flower painting (花鸟画) but employs subtle brushwork and pale color washes characteristic of oil on canvas. His gentle handling of light and form evokes both intimacy and stillness, a hallmark of his oeuvre.

3. Historical Context
Completed in 2016, this piece reflects the ongoing interest among contemporary Chinese artists in revitalizing traditional subjects with modern methods. Sparrows, symbols of resourcefulness and community in Chinese culture, take center stage in this quiet scene that speaks to harmony with nature.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The surface shows no signs of wear or restoration, and the pigments retain their original luminosity and detail. The canvas is stable and well-preserved.

6. Artistic Significance
Guoyong Zhang’s Sparrow Skit 14 exemplifies his poetic ability to transform simple natural observations into emotionally resonant tableaux. The gentle movement and eye-level intimacy invite reflection and serenity, making it a compelling work for collectors of contemporary Chinese figurative painting.