The National Museum of China organized painting creations of historical themes in 1951, 1959, 1964 and 1972 respectively, which came out with a number of artworks of great significance in the art history of new China.

Masterpieces of Modern Chinese Fine Arts from the National Museum Collection is a long-term exhibition staged in the 2000-square-meter Central Hall, consisting of 57 oil paintings, 11 traditional Chinese paintings and 14 sculptures about historical and revolutionary themes. Most of the exhibits are created by renowned artists of new China. They include the Founding Ceremony of People’s Republic of China by Dong Xiwen, Mao Zedong at the December Meeting by Jin Shangyi, Crossing the Yellow River at Night by Ai Zhongxin, Tunnel War and Mao Zedong in Jinggang Mountain by Luo Gongliu, Five Heroes in Langya Mountain by Zhan Jianjun, Crossing the Yellow River to the East by Zhong Han, Transfer to North Shaanxi by Shi Lu, Liberation of Peiping by Ye Qianyu, Liu Hulan by Wang Zhaowen, and Road Song by Qian Shaowu, bearing profound historical and academic senses.

The exhibition particularly includes Mr. Xu Beihong’s canvas and ink painting versions of The Old Man Removing Mountains. The latter also serves as the matrix of the 36-meter wide sculpture of the same name on display in the West Hall.

The exhibition allows us to review the Museum’s contribution to artistic creation in historical and revolutionary themes by comparing the past with the present. This plays an essential role in theme works along the art history of new China, and in turn triggered discussion on historical topics of artistic creation that also guided the creation in major themes over 60 years. Taking a look at the historical masterpieces, we can still touch their artistic glamour, the historical moments and the inspiring power.