“Northern Shaanxi Elder” is a portrait by Chinese artist Li Qun from 1941, featuring an elderly man from the northern regions of Shaanxi province. As a portrait, it seeks to convey the subject’s likeness, character, and cultural significance. Such portraits often serve to memorialise individuals and reflect aspects of their identity, such as age, experiences, and social context. By focusing on an elderly figure from this specific region, the artwork provides insights into Shaanxi’s culture, traditions, and way of life during that era. It showcases Li Qun’s interest in representing the diversity of Chinese society and underscores the dignity and wisdom associated with old age. Despite potential limitations in specific details, the portrait contributes to preserving the visual history of Shaanxi province and its people during the early 20th century.
Childhood 1912-1930
A village childhood Li Qun’s roots trace back to a quaint mountain village, an enclave characterised by a mere six courtyards and ten households in its nascent years. This hamlet, situated in Lingshi County, Shanxi Province, earned its identity as Hao Jia Zhang. Positioned to the east of Fenhe River,