Christian tells Chinese journalists why he decides to paint such a painting. [Photo/Xinhua]

He explained that he had originally wanted to have the doves form a geographical map of China, but that the format of the painting had made it impossible, even if he hoped that viewers could still imagine what he had not been able to include.

"A painting, first, it is always the joy of the eyes which attract, then comes the joy of the spirit which captivates, and after, the joy of the heart holds on to the work," the painter declared.

The decision to donate the painting was obvious to Poirot. Even though it would easily be valued at 300,000 euros or more, the painting represented a gesture of friendship toward China.

"The donation was simply because I came to know the Chinese people, who touched me with their kindness," he affirmed. Moved by the people who had welcomed him during his trips through China, he felt that such a gift was the strongest way to demonstrate his appreciation.

The French painter did not always have a relationship with China. It was only in 2009, however, when a friend invited him to visit China, that Poirot first experienced Chinese hospitality and culture. He has visited as many as nine times since, often painting joyous depictions of the Chinese cityscapes while there. Indeed, the macabre images of "Deliverance" differ from his usual work, which is bright, colorful, and suggesting happiness.