Background and Aim: The Pictorials of the Republic of China played a crucial role in the modernization of Chinese painting, serving as a medium for artistic transformation, education, and dissemination. This study aims to investigate how these pictorials influenced the evolution of Chinese painting styles, the expansion of the art market, and the professional development of Chinese painting educators. Materials and Methods: A qualitative research approach was employed, analyzing 100 articles on Chinese painting published in the Pictorial of the Republic of China. Grounded theory and three-level coding analysis were applied to categorize the impact of these pictorials on painting techniques, modes of dissemination, and educational methodologies. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 30 Chinese painting practitioners to assess the influence of pictorials on education and artistic development. Results: Findings indicate that Pictorials of the Republic of China facilitated the integration of Western artistic elements, such as perspective and shading, into traditional Chinese painting, leading to stylistic innovation. They also played a significant role in the dissemination of Chinese painting, making art more accessible to the public and influencing the art market. Furthermore, these pictorials served as educational resources, providing instructional content, showcasing exemplary works, and fostering artistic dialogue. However, their impact on teacher professional development varied among respondents. Conclusion: The study confirms that the Pictorials of the Republic of China were instrumental in bridging traditional Chinese painting with modern artistic developments. By promoting artistic experimentation, expanding the art market, and supporting art education, these pictorials significantly shaped the trajectory of Chinese painting in the early 20th century. Future research should explore regional differences in pictorial influence and their broader impact on other art forms beyond painting.
Deng et al. (Wed,) studied this question.