QI BAISHI (1863-1957)

This painting belonged to former People's Artist of U.S.S.R. and rector of Repin Institute of Arts from 1953-1978, Victor Michailovich Oreshikov (1904 -1987). As a caring teacher, Oreshikov encouraged his students in the basic principles of art creation and the need to understand and appreciate different art forms and styles. As a painter and art collector, he believed that it was the painter's understanding of life and art that created great paintings. Camellia was presented to Oreshikov by the Chinese government delegation in 1953-54.
Similar to the plum blossom, the camellia blooms in late winter, like a steadfast friend who can be relied on regardless of circumstances, symbolizing the friendship between China and Russia. The brilliant scarlet hue of the flower is accompanied by the faint yellow stamen in the centre, sharply contrasted with the jet black stamen that extends the flowers from the base of the painting to the top, and leaves that thrust the flowers horizontally across the painting.