Development of the academic painting in Beijing at the beginning of the 20th century

The profound social and political changes that took place in China at the turn of the 19th century led to a significant reappraisal of spiritual and aesthetic values in the society. The Western culture infiltration contributed to the reform movement and encouraged new trends in the Chinese visual arts. The artists who returned to China after studying abroad created various associations and art schools. They tried to find new forms and merge the heritage of traditional Chinese painting with the achievements of Western art. In the beginning of the 20th century Beijing becomes the center of social transformation in China and the source of a new cultural movement.