“UNCLE HỒ WORKING AT BẮC BỘ PHỦ” OF ARTIST TÔ NGỌC VÂN (1906-1954)

Tô Ngọc Vân is one painter of the quartet most famous in Việt Nam, “Trí, Lân, Vân, Cẩn”. He studied in the second class (1926-1931) of Indochina Fine Arts College with Vũ Cao Đàm. He was an artist who got many achievements and affirmed his talent from a young age. This is one of the earliest works about President Hồ Chí Minh in the days after the August Revolution. Basically, the theme “Uncle Hồ working at Bắc Bộ Phủ” was created by Tô Ngọc Vân on three materials: Oil, charcoal and woodcut. Each material has its own beauty. Above all, it is the historical significance of the theme that the work conveys. In which, Tô Ngọc Vân’s maturity in thought and professional skills at this time were at their highest level. The main character, President Hồ, occupies the entire height of the frame, allowing us to see his entire image. Dressing simply and familiarly like a officer further accentuated his outward simplicity, further contrasting and highlighting what was hidden within him: A great intelligence. President Hồ Chí Minh established a unique national ideology of independence, freedom, peace, and happiness for Việt Nam.

TÔ NGỌC VÂN (1906-1954)
“Uncle Hồ working at Bắc Bộ Phủ”, 1946
Woodblock print
Signed in the lower right corner
63 × 46 cm