Artwork Description

Title: Grandma Peeling Peanuts
Artist: Xinlin Jiang
Date: 2012
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 130 x 110.5 cm (51.2 x 43.5 in)

1. Artwork Identification
“Grandma Peeling Peanuts” is a poignant oil painting by Xinlin Jiang, completed in 2012. The subject is an elderly woman seated in a dimly lit interior, absorbed in the humble act of shelling peanuts. Dressed in a worn navy jacket and cap, she gazes directly at the viewer, her hands captured mid-motion, embodying a lifetime of labor and quiet dignity.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Jiang’s realist approach, imbued with tonal subtlety and psychological depth, echoes the traditions of Chinese rural portraiture while drawing from classical Western realism. The muted palette and textured brushwork convey a tactile sense of the environment and a deep empathy for the subject.

3. Historical Context
Painted during a period when Jiang was documenting everyday rural life, this portrait reflects broader themes of aging, resilience, and familial legacy. It resonates with the artist's commitment to preserving the lived experiences of China’s elder generation, particularly women whose stories often remain unspoken.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The work is in very good condition, with no visible surface damage or restoration. The canvas remains taut, and the pigment is stable. The painting has been preserved under appropriate climate and light controls.

6. Artistic Significance
This piece is a moving tribute to rural life and generational endurance. With its unembellished realism and emotional gravity, “Grandma Peeling Peanuts” exemplifies Xinlin Jiang’s ability to elevate the everyday into the realm of the timeless and universal—offering viewers a rare and sincere glimpse into the heart of traditional Chinese domestic life.