129 years ago today, on January 26th, 1896 (December 12th, 1895 in the lunar calendar), Qin Zhongwen, a modern Chinese painter and art historian, was born. Qin Zhongwen Qin Zhongwen (1896-1974), a famous landscape painter. Originally known as Qin Yurong, Zhongwen, Qin Yu was later taken as a pen name. A native of Zunhua, Hebei. In 1915, he entered the Law Department of Peking University. In 1918, he joined the Peking University Painting Research Association sponsored by Cai Yuanpei, and studied painting from He Luzhi, Chen Shizeng and Tang Dingzhi. After specializing in landscape, he participated in the Chinese Painting Research Association sponsored by Jincheng, and was able to copy ancient books, laying a deep traditional foundation. In 1930s and 1940s, he taught in Beiping University Art College, Jinghua Fine Arts College and National Art College, and studied historical theory. In 1934, he wrote History of Chinese Painting. After 1949, he served as a painter and member of Beijing Painting Academy. Qin Zhongwen is also an art historian. Besides the History of Chinese Painting in 1930s, he has published a large number of articles commenting on contemporary painters.