George Keyt

This work has been recently cleaned and consolidated. In good condition, as viewed.
"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."

George Keyt is known for his sensuous depiction of women amidst rural settings. Although he drew his stylistic inspiration from the work of Matisse, Picasso, Braque and Derain, his carefully constructed forms are entirely his own. Painted with an air of sombre sensuality, this work reflects the iconography of classical Sinhalese and Hindu sculpture.  The Chilean poet Pablo Neruda stated of his work "Keyt, I think is the living nucleus of a great painter. In all his work there is the moderation of maturity...Keyt's pictures nevertheless produce a dramatic effect, particularly in his paintings of Sinhalese people. These figures take on a strange expressive grandeur, and radiate an aura of intensely profound feeling." (W.G. Archer, India and Modern Art, London, 1959, p.124)