Lotus Pond under Moonlight

Lin Fengmian created numerous works featuring lotuses, yet this piece stands out as a unique example. Unlike his Lotus Pond series—produced frequently during his later years in Hong Kong and characterized by compositions filled with blossoms, bright lighting, and a relaxed, joyful mood—this painting presents a more restrained and introspective vision. It features just three blooming lotus flowers, accompanied by two unopened buds subtly positioned in the upper left corner. Several lotus leaves, either unfurled or curled, dominate the composition, adding depth and movement.The background is rendered in a deep, ink-like blue—rich and intense—while the lotuses are painted in thick white pigment, delicately accented with touches of light yellow at their centers. This bold contrast against the dark backdrop evokes the image of flowers blooming fervently in the depths of night. Lin’s exceptional command of light and shadow is evident here, with works from the 1950s particularly showcasing this mastery. The atmosphere of the painting is both profound and impassioned, offering a poignant reflection of the artist’s inner world and circumstances during that period.