Zhang Dannong was born in Guangdong, China and moved to Singapore in 1940. Before his relocation, Zhang trained in the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts and was formerly a professor of Fine Arts at Sun Yat-Sen University. As one of Singapore’s pioneer artists, Zhang is also known as one of the first to popularise the art of seal carving in the region and is said to have produced more than three thousand engraved seals in his lifetime.
In this long vertical scroll, Zhang depicted a Chinese blue flycatcher. This species, known for its brilliantly blue coat and orange breast, can primarily be found in Southeast Asia and China. Zhang illustrates the bird with its beak agape and its body arched. These bodily gestures may suggest its attempt to project loud chirping sounds. As shown in this piece of art, Zhang has a particular eye for capturing the movement and expressions of animals and is particularly known for his depictions of tigers and horses.
