Maggie Laubser 1886-1973

Acquired directly from the artist by the husband of the present owner

A.C. Bouman, Painters of South Africa, Cape Town, 1948, illustrated p. 78.

In good condition. Pinhole in all four corners. Under UV: no apparent inpainting.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Malay Boy with Pigeons exemplifies South African artist Maggie Laubser's profound connection with nature. The dynamic between the boy and the pigeons resting close to his face speaks to a childish innocence and sensitivity towards nature. Laubser further conveys these qualities through the soft red and green tones, which build a rhythm that modulates the picture. Similarly, the brushstrokes of white connect the young boy with the gentle birds. As the artist wrote: " ...A painting has to come into the painter's mind with a consciousness of colours, figures and lines. We call this memory, but it is more than this: it is the image living within oneself, different for every person, living like a bird, but unknown" (Bouman, p. 79).