Artwork Description

Title: The Young Age of Mao Zedong (青年毛泽东)
Artist: Li Zongjin (李宗津) (1916–1977)
Date: 1973
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 25.8 x 18.3 in (65.5 x 46.5 cm)

Artwork Identification
The Young Age of Mao Zedong is a poignant oil painting by Li Zongjin, completed in 1973. The work measures 65.5 by 46.5 centimeters and depicts a youthful Mao Zedong with striking realism and psychological depth. Executed with meticulous brushwork and a sober palette, the portrait conveys both the idealism and gravitas associated with Mao’s early revolutionary years.

Artistic Style and Influences
Li Zongjin’s style integrates academic realism with a deeply personal expressive quality, shaped by his extensive training under masters such as Yan Wenliang and Xu Beihong. His figure painting reflects a commitment to capturing the human spirit amid political and social upheaval, combining classical techniques with a nuanced modern sensibility.

Historical Context
Created during the Cultural Revolution, this portrait emerges from a fraught period in Li’s life and Chinese history. Despite political persecution and censorship, Li produced works that engaged with revolutionary iconography, albeit often under duress. This painting stands as a testament to the complex interplay between art, politics, and individual resilience in 20th-century China.

Provenance and Authenticity
The painting originates from Li Zongjin’s late period and is consistent with his oeuvre during the 1970s. It is documented in scholarly catalogs and has been exhibited posthumously in retrospectives honoring his contribution to Chinese oil painting. Authentication is supported by archival records and provenance documentation.

Condition and Conservation
The canvas is in good condition with minor signs of age-related wear consistent with its period. The paint surface remains stable with no significant restoration. The work is mounted on its original stretcher, suitable for display or conservation as required.

Artistic Significance
The Young Age of Mao Zedong exemplifies Li Zongjin’s enduring commitment to figure painting amid political adversity. As a work from his later years, it encapsulates his stylistic maturity and historical significance. Li’s legacy as an artist who navigated the complexities of mid-20th-century China is embodied in this emotionally resonant portrait, making it a vital piece for collectors and institutions focused on Chinese modern art.