The artwork “Kiều and Kim Trọng” or “Nguyệt Ước” belongs to the lacquer painting genre, measuring 70 x 50 cm. It was painted by renowned artist Nguyen Tu Nghiem and completed in 1987. This piece was sold at an auction in Hanoi on the evening of December 23, 2017, for 83,000 USD (approximately 1.87 billion VND).
Truyện Kiều is a classic work by Nguyễn Du and is considered a symbol of Vietnamese literature. After 12 years of schooling, we have undoubtedly become familiar with characters such as Thúy Kiều, Thúy Vân, and Kim Trọng. These three characters have created an enticing Truyện Kiều, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
As an artist closely associated with Vietnamese art, Nguyen Tu Nghiem depicted Thúy Kiều and Kim Trọng in his painting, capturing the two main characters to create a unique piece of art. Today, we will explore the captivating painting “Kiều and Kim Trọng.”
1. Meaning and Inspiration Behind “Kiều and Kim Trọng”
The artwork was inspired by the “Nguyệt Ước” excerpt from Nguyễn Du’s Truyện Kiều, which portrays the moonlit rendezvous between Thúy Kiều and Kim Trọng.
Nguyen Tu Nghiem’s “Kiều and Kim Trọng” is not merely a painting but a piece filled with deep meaning, reflecting Vietnamese culture and society. The image of Thúy Kiều and Kim Trọng represents a beautiful yet tragic love story, expressing the human heart’s struggles against life’s challenges and a yearning for true love. The piece recalls Nguyễn Du’s Truyện Kiều, a literary masterpiece of Vietnam.
Nguyen Tu Nghiem lived and created art during the Renovation period when Vietnamese society was undergoing significant changes. He used the imagery of Kiều and Kim Trọng to reflect the people’s emotions and aspirations during this time. The blend of cultural exchanges and influences from global art movements enriched the artist’s inspiration. The work combines traditional art with modern style, giving a sense of both familiarity and novelty. Nguyen Tu Nghiem infused his personal experiences of love, loss, and the yearning for freedom into the piece, adding depth and humanity to the portrayal of Kiều and Kim Trọng.
2. Origins, History, and Background of the Artwork
The piece draws inspiration from Truyện Kiều by Nguyễn Du, a famous classical literary work of Vietnam. Truyện Kiều is not only a tragic love story but also reflects the fate of women in feudal society. “Kiều and Kim Trọng” was created in the mid-20th century, during a unique cultural and historical context, when Vietnam was undergoing major political and social upheavals. This was a time when Vietnamese art and culture were seeking their own identity while being influenced by Western art movements.
The painting has been featured in various art exhibitions and quickly gained attention from both the public and art critics. The artwork does not merely depict a love story but also reflects human fate, especially the fate of women in feudal society. Nguyen Tu Nghiem skillfully combined traditional and modern elements to create a work that is both deeply connected to national culture and uniquely creative.
3. Style and Techniques Used
Nguyen Tu Nghiem masterfully blended traditional Vietnamese artistic elements, such as composition and color, with modern painting trends. This created a unique artistic space, both close to the nation’s culture and refreshingly innovative. The characters in the painting are often depicted symbolically, carrying deep meaning, not just representing individuals but also reflecting human aspirations, suffering, and fate.
Nguyen Tu Nghiem’s style focuses on conveying the characters’ emotions through light, color, and form. He used a rich color palette, particularly warm and dark tones, to depict emotional depth and atmosphere. The colors in the painting are not just decorative but symbolic, helping to convey the characters’ moods.
He combined soft, fluid drawing techniques with strong, decisive lines, creating contrast and enhancing the details and appeal of the piece. Especially with his extensive knowledge of lacquer painting, Nguyen Tu Nghiem used this medium to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
4. Critique and Reception
During its time, Nguyen Tu Nghiem’s “Kiều and Kim Trọng” was regarded as an iconic piece, blending traditional and modern art. Critics praised his ability to express the characters’ emotions and moods through refined techniques. The artwork was seen as a breakthrough in approaching classical literary themes, breathing new life into familiar stories.
Today, the piece remains an important work in Vietnamese art. Modern critics emphasize how the artwork has inspired young artists to explore and develop national cultural themes. Many experts also believe the piece has not only artistic value but also serves as a cultural and historical symbol, helping viewers better understand the social context of its time.
5. Artistic and Financial Value of the Work
Nguyen Tu Nghiem stands out with his meticulous drawing techniques, harmoniously blending tradition and modernity. He delves into timeless themes like love, human fate, and life’s tragedies. The authentic and profound emotions portrayed through imagery and color make “Kiều and Kim Trọng” not just a work of art but a cultural symbol of Vietnam, reflecting humanistic values and life philosophies.
The painting has inspired generations of artists, encouraging them to explore and develop national cultural themes. Additionally, many art investors view Nguyen Tu Nghiem’s works as a safe and profitable investment. The financial value of his artworks tends to increase over time, making them an attractive option for investors.
6. Influence and Importance of the Artwork on Contemporary Art
The image of Kiều and Kim Trọng has become a symbol of love and sacrifice, serving as inspiration for many other works of art, from painting to literature. The artwork explores themes like love, fate, and human tragedy, encouraging contemporary artists to delve into and develop classic national literary themes.
Nguyen Tu Nghiem paved the way for a new direction in contemporary Vietnamese art, skillfully combining traditional techniques with modern style. His use of color and form has profoundly influenced contemporary artists, inspiring them to express emotions and create works with depth.
Moreover, “Kiều and Kim Trọng” has raised awareness of national cultural values, creating opportunities for cross-cultural exchange as Vietnamese artists introduce the beauty of their national culture through paintings. This painting is not only an outstanding artistic achievement but also a work with far-reaching influence on contemporary art. It has sparked creative inspiration while promoting the development of the art market, preserving cultural heritage, and elevating the status of Vietnamese art on the global art scene.
7. Personal Reflection on “Kiều and Kim Trọng”
“Kiều and Kim Trọng” offers viewers a romantic yet tragic experience. The delicate portrayal of Kiều and Kim Trọng depicts an intense love marked by tragedy. Thúy Kiều’s gaze appears filled with sorrow, allowing the viewer to feel her inner turmoil and deep emotions.
Nguyen Tu Nghiem skillfully combined traditional and modern styles, using vibrant colors and bold forms to draw viewers into the story of Kiều and Kim Trọng. This work is not merely a beautiful piece of art but an emotional journey, prompting us to reflect on love, fate, and the value of life.
Naim Farhat –
The composition of “Kieu and Kim Trong” is elegant in its simplicity. The artist’s use of bold outlines and minimal details allows the figures to stand out against the textured background. The choice of lacquer as a medium lends the piece a luminous quality, especially in the golden and bronze hues that dominate the painting. The restrained palette and clean lines create a harmonious balance, while the subtle inclusion of symbolic details like the moon adds narrative depth. For an artist, this piece is a masterclass in how minimalism can convey profound emotion and storytelling.
Nupur Sodani –
This painting captures the timeless essence of love and longing. The connection between Kieu and Kim Trong is palpable through their postures and the soft interplay of their gazes. The moonlight overhead suggests a shared moment of intimacy, while the traditional clothing and lute remind viewers of the deep cultural roots of their love story. The painting feels like a quiet, heartfelt ode to the beauty and fragility of romantic relationships.