張大千 放牧圖

款識：
悲鴻以畫馬名，不知其畫牛尤為勝絕，嘆為數百年來所未有。予嘗效其筆意為之，悲鴻乃大贊，嗟如湖州之視彭城也！悲鴻下世已逾十載，予亦老病，偶作小景，恨不令故人見之，擲筆慨然。六十八年，己未四月，八十一叟爰。

不受田單用，毋為甯戚歌；隴頭耕已畢，放牧自婆娑。此宋人句也，令人想見太平景象。漫復書之。爰。

鈐印：「張爰之印」、「大千居士」、「大千父」。

倫敦「四妙堂」舊藏
香港蘇富比，一九九九年四月，中國書畫拍賣，編號153

-The ember colour at the lower section has slightly faded. Light foxing can be found on the painting, which has already been improved by restoration. Otherwise, generally in fair to good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

註：大千先生與徐悲鴻訂交於一九二九年，自此結為好友，交情垂逾廿載。悲鴻主持南京中央大學藝術系時，邀大千任教席，又為其畫冊撰序，譽之「五百年來第一人矣」！大千亦推崇悲鴻畫藝，稱「畫馬則首推悲鴻」。兩人以金農〈風雨歸舟〉及董源〈谿岸圖〉互換，最為膾炙人口，亦証交誼之摯。四九年後，大千去國，悲鴻留居北京，從此萬里分隔。悲鴻致「大風堂」門人陳從周函中，表示希望其師能返國與他一起工作。惟此願未遂，終未及復見。大千晚年返台定居時，寫本幅「甯戚牧歌」時，取牧牛童子閒適自怡之狀入畫，卻因圖而觸念故友之情，復思如今老病侵身，遂生「恨不令故人見之，擲筆慨然」之嘆！