Artwork Description

Title: Sparrow Essay 19
Artist: Guoyong Zhang
Date: 2016
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 40 x 40 cm (15.7 x 15.7 in)

1. Artwork Identification
Sparrow Essay 19 is a tender, minimalist composition featuring two sparrows perched on blossoming branches, evoking the soft quietude of early spring. Zhang’s composition is both refined and emotionally evocative, drawing the viewer into the gentle interaction between the birds.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Guoyong Zhang’s style blends classical Chinese literati painting sensibilities with Western oil techniques. The work’s airy negative space, sparse use of color, and poetic brushstrokes echo the tradition of Chinese ink painting, while the soft texture and light modeling of the birds showcase his skill in oil as a medium.

3. Historical Context
Painted in 2016, Sparrow Essay 19 is part of Zhang’s larger body of work celebrating everyday moments in nature. The sparrow, a frequent motif in Chinese art, symbolizes diligence and liveliness. The flowering branches suggest a seasonal renewal, underscoring themes of harmony and serenity.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The canvas is structurally stable with no visible surface damage, and the pigments are fresh and well-preserved, maintaining their intended delicacy and luminosity.

6. Artistic Significance
Sparrow Essay 19 is an eloquent example of Zhang Guoyong’s ability to render quiet beauty and emotional subtlety. The simplicity of the composition belies the technical skill and cultural depth underpinning the work, making it a strong piece for collectors interested in the intersection of traditional aesthetics and contemporary expression.