- 343
Willem Gerard Hofker
Estimate
450,000 - 550,000 HKD
bidding is closed
Description
- Willem Gerard Hofker
- Ni Gedoer
- Signed, titled, inscribed and dated Nov 1943
- Conté crayon on paper
- 48.5 by 32.5 cm.; 19 by 12 3/4 in.
Provenance
Kunsthandel Gerard van Spaandonk, Leiden
Sotheby's Singapore, April 16, 2006, Lot 9
Private Collection, Singapore
Sotheby's Singapore, April 16, 2006, Lot 9
Private Collection, Singapore
Condition
The work is in good condition overall. The paper has no evidence of foxing, tears or holes. Examination under ultraviolet light shows no evidence of restoration. Framed, under Plexiglas.
"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."
"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
Willem Gerard Hofker’s love for the human form is perhaps the supreme feature of his work. The artist’s oeuvre is inspired by naturalistic figures, from poses to facial expressions, to the almost tangible rending of glowing, taut skin of youthful subjects. Ni Gedoer exemplifies the artist’s mastery for instilling his paintings with a sense of life. A maiden garbed in a Djanger dancer’s costumer occupies the entire picture plane. Warm earthy tones tinged with gold dominate the painting. Light illuminates the contours of Ni Gedoer’s face, arms and figure. Tendrils of raven hair frame her delicate neck and shoulders, giving the painting’s earthy tones a piquant yet harmonious accent.
Executed in November 1943, the present portrait is believed to be one of the last paintings Hofker made in Bali before his internment in Celebes in December the same year. One year after the Japanese Occupation of the country, it was an uncertain time for the residents of Bali, with Hofker’s carefree existence coming to a halt. It is likely that Ni Gedoer was completed around this bittersweet time, when bleakness and hope lived side by side. Glancing away from the viewer with a slightly haughty expression, the woman is seductive yet aloof. Perhaps she is metaphorically looking back at Bali’s glorious past, at the island and people the artist fell in love with, yet could no longer see again.
Executed in November 1943, the present portrait is believed to be one of the last paintings Hofker made in Bali before his internment in Celebes in December the same year. One year after the Japanese Occupation of the country, it was an uncertain time for the residents of Bali, with Hofker’s carefree existence coming to a halt. It is likely that Ni Gedoer was completed around this bittersweet time, when bleakness and hope lived side by side. Glancing away from the viewer with a slightly haughty expression, the woman is seductive yet aloof. Perhaps she is metaphorically looking back at Bali’s glorious past, at the island and people the artist fell in love with, yet could no longer see again.