Artwork Description

Title:Baijia Lake Serenade

Artist
Wei Luning

Date
2016

Medium:
Oil on canvas

Dimensions
19.7 x 23.6 in (50 x 60 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Baijia Lake Serenade (2016) is a nocturnal landscape rendered in Wei Luning’s signature oil-on-canvas technique. The composition centers on a tranquil, moonlit lake under a soft grey sky. A glowing moon hovers above the horizon, its light reflected in the still waters below. The distant shore is subtly illuminated with warm yellow tones that suggest urban life beyond the darkness. The right side of the composition includes the vague outline of a traditional stone sculpture, adding a poetic, cultural dimension to this otherwise modern scene.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
This work continues Wei’s exploration of contemporary landscape through a refined and tonal abstraction. The painting evokes the quietude of a serenade—silent, slow, and emotionally resonant. The soft brushwork and restrained palette speak to the literati tradition in Chinese art, while the impasto textures and luminous effects bring to mind the atmospheric nocturnes of Whistler and Turner. Wei’s deft handling of light and reflection transforms a modest scene into a deeply lyrical meditation on place and time.

3. Historical Context
Painted in 2016, Baijia Lake Serenade captures the shifting identity of Baijia Lake as both a natural and cultural landmark within the urban sprawl of Nanjing. By night, the city recedes, allowing the artist to engage with deeper, more introspective themes. The subtle presence of a carved stone lion—a guardian often found in Chinese gardens and temples—adds a layer of symbolic protection and heritage, reflecting Wei’s sensitivity to tradition amid contemporary settings.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The canvas is structurally sound, and the paint surface shows no signs of damage, restoration, or wear. The thick texture and muted tones are well-preserved.

6. Artistic Significance
Baijia Lake Serenade offers a poetic and introspective moment within Wei Luning’s broader exploration of nature, light, and memory. It is an exceptional example of his mature style, marrying visual quietude with cultural depth. The painting invites viewers into a serene and meditative experience, making it a particularly evocative piece for collectors of contemporary Chinese landscape painting.