Chen Danqing’s unfinished painting has created another kind of beauty!

Why did Chen Danqing’s painting only depict one pair of feet?

When Chen Danqing was teaching life drawing at Tsinghua University’s School of Fine Arts, he left behind a piece of work that only depicted the feet. The model’s hasty departure for her wedding in the Netherlands caused this accidental collision between art and reality, giving rise to a unique unfinished beauty.
From an aesthetic perspective, the structure of the feet is extremely exquisite. The arrangement of bones is precise, the muscle lines flow smoothly. From the slender toes to the gentle ankle, it is a display of the exquisite structure of the human body.

In art history, the feet have been given many symbolic meanings. They represent the perseverance of traveling far and wide, the courage to explore the unknown, the composure of concentrated strength, and the steadfast determination.

In sculpture, the feet support the body and display static power; in painting, the artist captures the texture and dynamic charm of the foot skin through delicate brushstrokes.
This unfinished painting by Chen Danqing does not present a complete picture, but in a unique way, it draws our focus to the aesthetics of the feet, allowing us to feel these feet that measure the world and the pure and touching charm contained in artistic creation.
Today’s tea has run out. Next time, I’ll make some new ones and accompany you to enjoy art.