The Spirit of the Horse
Fine art print (likely a serigraph or lithograph) on heavy art paper. • Jiang Tiefeng (born 1938), founder of the Yunnan School of Art.
Style & Movement
Yunnan School (Heavy Colorism). It blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with Western modernism, particularly influenced by Post-Impressionism and Art Nouveau.
Medium & Technique
Serigraph (Silk Screen) or Lithograph. The technique utilizes vibrant, layered inks with a distinctive textural pattern (heavy cross-hatching or stippling) characteristic of the Yunnan School of painting.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1985–1995).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 30 inches; square format presented in a dark frame with an off-white mat.
Subject Description
The composition features a central stylized female figure in a high-collared gown decorated with fish or avian patterns, standing before a powerful, rearing horse. The work uses rich blues, purples, and magentas against a dark background. Symbolism involves the harmony between humanity and the natural world, a recurring theme in Jiang's work.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The colors appear vibrant; however, there is slight visible rippling of the paper at the edges, suggesting it is not archivally mounted.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD (dependent on edition size and number).
Auction Estimate
$500 - $900 USD.
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery (such as Fingerhut Galleries) specializing in Chinese contemporary prints during the 1990s boom of the Yunnan School.
Art Historical Significance
Jiang Tiefeng is the primary figure of the Yunnan School, which revitalized Chinese art after the Cultural Revolution. His work is significant for introducing a romanticized, mythological, and colorful style that bridged Eastern and Western tastes.
Notable Features
Includes a visible signature in the lower right and a title/edition number in the lower left. The signature appears to be the standard hand-signed pencil mark used by the artist for his limited edition runs.
Condition Issues
Possible minor 'cockling' (waviness) of the paper due to humidity or improper mounting. Potential UV fading if displayed in direct sunlight, though colors currently look saturated.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the artwork is mounted using acid-free materials and protected by UV-filtering glass or acrylic. Maintain a stable environment with 40-50% humidity.