The scholarly traditions of classical Chinese painting are deeply rooted in Chinese aesthetics. Visionary artists appear in different ages. Yet, only few endure as masters of the art. Chen Banding is one. The late master was remembered at a solo exhibition encompassing his life's work. It opened at the museum of the Beijing Art Academy over the weekend.

The 84 works, in color and black-and-white showed the great range of Chen's artistic expression. Also evident are historical trends that occurred during the course of Chen Banding's career.

Chen Banding was born in 1876 into a medical family in Zhejiang Province. He lived through years that saw the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the rise of the Republic of China and the emergence of the People's Republic of China. It was an epoch marked by dramatic social change. Chen died in 1970. His professional career had spanned more than sixty years.

The Twentieth Century was also an era which saw Chinese art undergo tension - pulled to and fro between Chinese traditional values and Western values. Chen Banding's works were valued for his quintessential adherence to the scholarly tradition. His paintings appealed to the refined discernment of aesthetes as well as to popular taste.

The paintings on show were drawn in part from the Beijing Art Academy and from Chen's family.

Chen Yanbo, son of Chen Banding, said, "I'm very excited. We've been planning this exhibition for three years. It's a pity that most of works in the show were created during my father's later years. It's not really a comprehensive expression of his artistic range. We'll try to fill that gap in future showings."

The master also left a legacy that goes beyond artistic achievement.

Chen Yanyan, daughter of Chen Banding, said, "My father always taught us to be honest and pure of heart. He told us always to help others as a primary direction. I remember several occasions when he sold his personal property to help fellow painters, friends and sometimes even strangers."

The show runs at the museum of the Beijing Art Academy until mid November.