BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Retrospective of the paintings of Xu Beihong "Nation and Times" is due to open at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing Thursday.

Three exhibition halls will display over 100 pieces of Xu's work until March 4.

The first hall, "National Spirit," features works including When Faith Moves Mountains, Wait for Me, Ba People Draw Water, The General Assembly for World Peace, and Joint Forces in Tokyo.

The second hall, "Graphic Narrative," shows the sketches and line drawings behind When Faith Moves Mountains and other pieces. Many are exhibited for the first time.

The last hall, "Woes of the Family and Country," reflects the spirit of a nation, including the Horse, Lion and Eagle.

Xu Beihong (1895-1953) is recognized as "the father of modern Chinese painting." Cultivation on the Peaceful Land, made 267 million yuan (41.8 million U.S. dollars) in 2011.