Lot 207
  • 207

Isaac Israels

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 EUR
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Description

  • Isaac Israels
  • a portrait of a seated javanese beauty
  • signed l.r.
  • oil on canvas
  • 124 by 74 cm.

Provenance

Collection Hartog
Private collection, Belgium

Condition

Original canvas. This work would benefit from cleaning, otherwise in a fine condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

In 1898 Isaac Israels became interested in Javanese culture, during an exhibition in his hometown The Hague, where he saw Javanese dancers perform. This fascination was strengthened during the First World War as a result of his good contacts with a group of people from the East Indies. Among them was his good friend, the famous dancer Raden Mas Jodjana, whom he painted several times. Jodjana ultimately introduced Israels to the mesmerizing allure and elegance of the Javanese people and culture. It was only in October 1921 however, that the artist himself travelled to Indonesia, staying there untill 1922. Although enchanted by the exotic landscape, nature interested Israels far less as a subject. First and foremost he remained a painter of people, thoroughly charmed by the Indonesian dancers, gamelan players and local people, who appealed to him in their refined elegance and aristocratic presence. 

The present lot always remained in private hands. The sitter, an Indonesian lady, is also painted by Israels executing a traditional dance (see lot 208 in this sale)