Lee Man Fong

The painting is in good condition, as is the board, which is clear from cracks or warping. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals small scattered spots of retouching in he background. Flecks of retouching are found on the rocks, the hind and mane of the ponies. There is a thin, vertical retouching in the middle of the painting. Retouchings are apparent only after ultraviolet light examination. There is some light craquelure on the middle left area but paint layers are well-preserved and in stable 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."

In the late 1930s Lee Man Fong met the renowned Chinese artist Xu Beihong, an artist he had admired since his early youth. Xu was famed for his ink paintings of horses and his influence on Lee Man Fong is evident in the present work. A pair of ponies frolic in a misty, idyllic landscape, their necks intertwined while pine and plum blossom trees stood tall in the background. They are Chinese symbols of enduring love and fidelity. In composition the work is influenced by Chinese painting, with equal deftness between substance and void, light and darkness, bright colours and subdued tones. Lee manages to mimic the effect of an ink brush with his strokes, which is not a simple feat considering the differences in texture and consistency between ink and oil. The painting manages to be both powerful and tender, traditional and innovative. One of the most intimate and poetic renderings by LeeMan Fong, the present work epitomises all that the artist held dear: integrity, balance, serenity and enduring beauty.