Description/
Research indicates Chen Cheng-po made over ten paintings in his Tamsui series, their sizes ranging from small works of sizes 4 to 8 to large ones of 30 to 50. The draft sketch for this painting was done in September 1935 and had a similar composition as the final work. As in his other large paintings of Tamsui, he takes a downward view angle and juxtaposes mountains and water to form a contrasting composition. The only difference is all his other paintings had buildings on the left and river on the right, so this piece with a reverse layout is dubbed by collectors as "Tamsui on the right".
In the right half of the painting, red-tiled buildings of assorted colors are piled like building blocks. Despite all facing different directions, they do not look haphazard. The most conspicuous landmark is the spire of Tamsui Church. A path meanders through the houses and disappears into a dense forest in the back right; a plot of verdant land juts out into the water. In contrast with the crowded right, the left half of the picture appears open and expansive. The spreading water, dressed with just a few small boats, shimmers in reflection of the warm sunset. The imagination of the viewer is allowed to drift away as river merges with ocean into the distant horizon. The artist manipulates a contrast in color and composition to forge a lasting impression, while merging Tamsui's abundant history and culture with her unique natural topography of water alongside mountains.
Sunset in Tamsui
1935
Materials & Techniques：Oil on canvas
Dimension：91.5x116.5 cm
Private Collection
Location:Tamsui (today's Tamsui Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan, the map marker is at No. 8 Mackay St., Tamsui Church)
