North Gate, Peking

 

Cyrus Baldridge

 

1925  

color woodcut 

14 1/4 x 9 9/16" image 

pencil, lower left 

No 34/200 

inscribed: PEKING '25 in lower right; dedicated: "To Wally" in lower center margin; circular chop in lower right image 

#4 on a checklist for the 1954 Exhibition of Wood-Blocks in Color and Drypoints by Cyrus Leroy Baldridge at the California State Library, Sacramento, Fall 1954 

cream laid 

published 

 

CAAL221 

$800.00 

An image of the 15th century Deshengmen archery tower and curved barbican wall in Beijing, China. Known as the Gate of Virtuous Triumph, it is all that remains of the northern city wall. The gate was historically used as the departure gate for the imperial army as they marched to battle; upon return, they would use the Andingman, or the Gate of Peace and Stability.

In this image, the land beneath the wall is open and is used by Beijing's citizens as they go about their daily chores and business. Now, the wall is a major transportation hub and tourist destination, surrounded by a wrought iron gate and colorful spotlights for nighttime illumination.