2 Men. Ink on Paper
2 Men back to back. Older man with a pipe. Younger man with a nap sack. Piece approx 35”x35”. Framed and matted 42”x42”. It is in excellent condition.
35”x35”
Inherited
Yes
Hello,
Your item is an ink and color on paper painting depicting two Chinese men—one older with a pipe and the other younger with a knapsack—rendered in a naturalistic yet expressive manner. The brushwork and tonal modeling reflect a style associated with mid- to late-20th-century Chinese figure painting, especially among artists influenced by the realism movement post-1949. The subject matter aligns with depictions of rural or working-class individuals common in socialist realism. The inscriptions and red seal marks enhance the authenticity, although a complete translation of the calligraphy and seal would help in accurately identifying the artist.
The dimensions are approximately 35 x 35 inches, with the frame measuring 42 x 42 inches. The condition appears excellent based on the image provided, with clear lines and strong color retention. This style is frequently associated with artists from the Shaanxi or Hebei provinces who were active in the 1960s–1980s, although stylistic attributions alone are not sufficient for precise authorship without inscription verification.
Thanks, Ellen. Without being able to confirm the artist through signature or seal, it’s not possible to definitively attribute the work—though your comparison to Liu Wenxi and his circle is valid, and that’s the reference point that informs the estimated range. The $6,000–$8,000 value reflects market behavior for similar large-scale works in this style and subject matter, especially when framed and in excellent condition. If attribution becomes clearer, that figure could shift accordingly.
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Everything written is everything I already know. In fact, some of it I wrote in my description.
I researched it originally and discovered it is very similar to the work of Liu Wenxi. Possibly an associate, but the brush strokes are a little different, so I don’t think the piece is by him. However, I cannot read Chinese so I do not know the signature. The appraiser did not identify the signature of the artist.
I also already understood it is a representation of Socialist realism, probably farmers.
The main reasons I asked for an appraisal was to identify the Piece, learn more about it and tell me what the possible market price would be. $6000-$8000 market value may be true, but I need to know something about the artist and the reason for the value assigned to the piece. Could someone get back to me? Thanks