Affandi

The work is in good condition overall, as is the canvas, which is clear and taut. There is evidence of light wear and handling around the edges of the painting, but only visible upon close observation. Impastos are healthy and intact. Examination under ultraviolet light shows no sign of restoration. Framed
"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."

The uniqueness of Affandi lay into his ability to dig and to explore the hidden complexity between human beings and their diverse emotional moods.  His compassion in revealing the core of social and natural reality allows him to stand firmly on the ripple, among other influential Indonesian artists. His brushstrokes do not only create a pulchritudinous scene on the canvas, but more importantly they record Affandi’s emotions and attitudes towards the society. His self-portraits are particularly striking in demonstrating his artistic development; they are the keynote of his maturity; they are the soul of his wisdom.

Self Portrait with Eclipse marks as a turning point among all of his self-portraits, it can be seen as the calm before the storm, and more importantly, which is a self-portrait that Affandi has used in bridging a connotation with his later works. Different to his early self-portraits, this painting does not concentrate on the exploration of social reality that is built in racialized forms, but it uniquely intensifies on Affandi’s appreciation towards his family and his life.

Affandi’s fondness in recording the relationship between human and nature has again appeared and this is presented through placing the sun as a subject. The sun is a visual metaphor that mirrors Affandi’s attitude and affection towards his life and fate, therefore the boldness of the eclipse has unquestionably heightened the rarity and the stature of this painting.  

The present painting is similar to Affandi’s later work – Unsuccessful (1987).  Both paintings exploit the preciousness of the eclipse and from which present the artist’s acceptance towards his fate. However, Affandi seems to carry a more cheerful attitude in Self Portrait with Eclipse. The use of harmonious colours together with the movement of velvet brushstrokes has allowed us to understand Affandi’s expressive soul and energetic torso in 1980. In contrast, Affandi’s figure is nearly transparent in Unsuccessful. Through merging himself with the eclipse has intensified his grief, thus highlights the metaphorical difference between Unsuccessful and Self Portrait with Eclipse.  The positive energy that the present painting brings is diffused through his calm facial features and across his cheerful bite of the pipe, the collision of the colours, figure and metaphor has therefore created the scene in a highly delightful light.

This painting also makes a forceful connotation with his later painting Solar Eclipse (1983). The significance of the eclipse is again presented under the use of melancholic paint; the vigorous and dramatic brushstrokes magnify Affandi’s sorrow in Solar Eclipse. Through comparing Solar Eclipse with the present painting, we can understand that there is a gradual transition of emotions in his self-portraits. The change from happiness to grief has been recorded on the canvases; the change in thoughts has been recorded under his brushstrokes; the change in metaphor has finally allowed us to agree - Self-portrait with Eclipse is a turning point of Affandi’s attitude and artistic development.