Chin San Long (Lang Jingshan) (Chinese, 1892-1995). A photograph titled “Zhang Daqian (Cypress Trees),” executed in 1963, depicting the painter Zhang Daqian (1899-1983), a close friend of Chin San Long’s, seated on a stone with a staff under the superimposed image of cypress trees. Silver gelatin print. Hand signed along the backing to the lower right. Chin San Long is known for his innovative art photography, particularly his signature “composite photography” technique. He was the first Chinese photographer to take artistic nude photos, and also specialized in nature photography.

Provenance: From the collection of William Atkins. William Atkins (1919-2001) was a pilot for Northwest Airlines, who spent his career flying to Asia. He was an avid photographer who was involved in the Photographic Society of America, through which he developed relationships with photography clubs worldwide. It was through the photographic society in Taiwan that he met Chin San Long, with whom he became close friends. In the 1970s, he arranged an exhibit for Chin San Long’s photography in Minnesota.

Sheet: height: 13 1/4 in x width: 10 1/2 in.
Matted: height: 20 in x width: 16 in.