ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)

Mount Xinglong is located southwest of Yuzhong County, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province. It is known for its majestic scenery and is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Gansu. It has a rich historical significance, with Genghis Khan having fought here and hermits practising here during the Song Dynasty. In 1941, Zhang Daqian visited the site twice during his trip to Dunhuang and was so impressed that the landscape of the Gobi desert could look like the scenery of the South. He then created several paintings depicting Mount Xinglong. According to the inscription on this painting, the artist likely created the work in the early 1960s when he was staying at Li Zulai’s apartment.