Cavalry Hero Tai Xide

In February 1950, Xu Beihong published the article “An Informal Discussion on Landscape Painting” in New Construction. In addition to pointing out the history, accomplishments, and other existential issues of Chinese landscape painting, he noted: “Art needs realism. If there is a genius among us, I hope that he will depict the historical circumstances of our heroes (such as combat heroes and model workers). These model figures highlight the great era in which we are fortunate to live.”
During the National Heroic Model Conference in September 1950, Xu Beihong proposed making portraits of heroes and models and inviting combat heroes and model workers to schools to give reports and have informal discussions with students and teachers. Xu practiced what he preached. He worked among the people, drawing portraits of combat heroes and model workers.