The history and development of Chinese Oil painting

Early in 16th century, missionary Matteo Ricci introduced Beautiful Oil Painting into China, In Qing dynasty, Giuseppe Castiglione used oil painting skills to depict Chinese landscape and figures, which were praised highly by the emperor. However, oil painting was not broadly accepted until the beginning of 20th century, with China involuntary open to the world, western culture gradually permeated into China, many abroad returnees who are in favor of oil painting began to teach and propagate oil painting in China. Nevertheless, the majority were lack of systematic knowledge of oil painting and practice.

Portrait Oil Painting became popular in China around 1960s, government paid more attention to art education, a collection of art schools were established and teaching system were refined, at the same time, many experts from Soviet union came to China to communicate, they brought the oil painting skills branded with Russian style. As a result, the Chinese oil painting boomed with strong Russian style at that time. In the end of 1970s, with the reform and open up policy, Chinese oil painting step into a new era. On one side, communication with western artists increase dramatically, some painters are sent to Europe to study, they get a systematically study of tradition, history, material, skills, styles of oil painting. Many Europe artists are invited into China to give lectures to Chinese students. On the other side, Chinese artist have more room to choose contents, topics, and formation. Based on the traditonal skills they actively explore new materials and skills to add to the modern oil painting style.