Chang Dai-chien in California

Unquestionably one of the most important Chinese painters of the 20th century, Chang Dai-chien (1899-1983) was unique in his mastery of historical styles dating back to the 4th century.

He was also noted for his introduction of brilliant color with painterly modeling and acclaimed for his grand synthesis of these traditions with aspects of Euro-American Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism.

With his reputation in China well-established, Chang Dai-chien emigrated to the West after the Communist Revolution.

He traveled and exhibited in Asia, Europe, and South and North America.

He finally settled in Carmel, drawn by the distinctive trees of the Monterey Peninsula which reminded him of the Chinese trees he had painted early in his career.

Color reproductions of Chang Dai-chien's work are accompanied by commentaries from scholars and friends in the tradition of Chinese colophons.

They share both reminiscences as well as remarks about the artist's legacy.