Sakti Burman

Property from the Leicester Art Collection 

Acquired at a Grammar School Auction

There is fine craquelure present in areas of thicker paint, most notably around the violin. There are small accretions and minor stains throughout the surface and small losses to the canvas in the upper centre. The losses correspond to patches on the reverse of the work where some restoration has taken place. There is a small 1 cm scratch to the right of the vase, and rubbing around the edges of the work, 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."

This charming painting is from a very early period in Burman's career when he was still painting in a realist style and studying at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts. Paris in the 1960s was consumed by Nouveau Réalisme and the preoccupation of bringing painters and life closer together. One can see the influence of Western art in this work in particular the paintings and collages of Juan Gris and other Cubists. These artists viewed the world as a pictorial image from which they could choose certain aspects and incorporate them into their art. A medley of fruit, leaves, glassware and a flower vase sits in the forefront while instruments recede into the background. In later years, Burman developed and perfected an incredibly distinctive style of painting, full of fantastical creatures, set in stunning make-believe worlds and created with candy-like colours. In discussing the work, the artist mentioned that his early works were alternatively signed 'Barman' or 'Burman' (Correspondence with the artist, 2016).

Sakti Burman was born in Kolkata and attended the Government Art College there. After graduating, he moved to Paris on a scholarship awarded to him by the French Government and he continues to live in France to this very day.