Frame size: 46.1 x 56.2 cm,
Object size: 42.9 x 53 cm (Mount)
Born in Hanoi in 1921, Bui Xuan Phai graduated from the Ecole des Beaux Arts de l’Indochine in 1945. Although he fled to the North in 1946, Phai returned to Hanoi in 1952 and set up a studio in his home, working with artists who had remained in or returned to Hanoi. When the Hanoi College of Fine Arts was re-opened in 1956, Phai was invited to teach there until 1957, when his controversial illustrations in the newspapers led to his resignation from the school. Recognized as one of the three pioneer artists of modern Vietnamese art, he was the most prolific among whom are Nguyen Tu Ngheim and Nguyen Sang. The long history of the Old Quarter of Hanoi made it a favourite destination for Phai who is well known for his depictions of these streets. This intimate painting depicts the frontage of a medicine shop that is likely located on Thuoc Bac Street, which refers to herbal medicine.
