In October 1939, during his stay in Singapore, Xu Beihong was inspired by a street drama performance titled Put Down Your Whip by actress Wang Ying, a friend of the artist.

Written by Chen Liting based on a play by Tian Han, the drama depicts a girl and her father who escaped from the Japanese-occupied Northeast China and performed in the streets for a living.

Deeply moved by the drama, Xu spent ten days painting a life-size portrait of Wang with her audience in the background.

According to Sotheby's Asia chairman Patti Wong, Xu gave the painting to a close friend named Huang Menggui.

Sotheby's Asia chairman Patti Wong, however, responded stating Xu's Put Down Your Whip would have sold well in any market.