羅中立

executed in 1992

新加坡Jasmine Fine Art 畫廊
現亞洲私人收藏家於九○年代購自上述來源

The work is overall in good condition. Signs of flaking are visible across the surface, and signs of retouching visible under UV examination at top right hand corner and top centre.
"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."

《牧馬人》體現了鄉土寫實主義的樸實無華，一望無際的背景以簡馭繁，隱喻畫中人物的滄桑命運。深刻的光影強化，為牧民溝壑縱橫的臉龐更添風霜。臉頰上的深刻凹痕，將其長年累月苦勤的痕跡表露無遺。

創作《牧馬人》的時候，羅中立早已自比利時皇家藝術學院研修歸國，遊歷過歐洲五光十色的藝術殿堂之後，藝術家仍未曾遺忘那故鄉般的大巴山，在本作寄寓他對當地人民的深厚溫情，一如他在八十年代出國以前震憾畫壇的《父親》一樣，表達著社會最真實的一面。每一筆、每一劃，都是畫家犧牲安逸，融入窮鄉僻壤觀察、體驗，最後沉澱而得的情感寫照。

羅中立的寫實繪畫，從不以唯美取悅觀眾。在畫家眼中，鄉民粗獷的外表下，蘊藏著俗世間罕見的善良質樸，當中的美來得真誠純淨，反而更值得花盡心思筆墨細緻描繪。牧民平凡的一生，在羅中立的筆下因此而變得不平凡。遙望遠方的牧馬人，彷如畫家自身的投射，靜待遇上與他一般欣賞原始美態的知音。