Sir Gerald Festus Kelly, P.R.A., R.H.A.

Christie's, London, 'The Contents of the Studio of the Late Sir Gerald Kelly', 8 February 1980, lot 50;

STRUCTURE This picture has been lined (possibly by the artist) and this is providing a stable support. The picture is in excellent condition with no craquelure and a clean paint surface. The picture is ready to hang. UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT There are very minor flecked retouchings to the top of the model's head and to her chest. There is a tiny speck of retouching beneath her right nostril and other very small retouching in the lower left background. The retouchings are minor and cosmetic and have been very well executed. Frame Held in an ornate carved painted and gilt frame (probably original).
"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 1908 Somerset Maughan suggested that Kelly visit Burma after the two friends admired a photograph of Burmese classical dancers. The trip, from November 1908 to April 1909, resulted in a series of beautiful paintings of performers. Burmese Dancer No.6 was painted during a subsequent trip in 1930 when Kelly made several depictions of Ma Seyn Nu in traditional costume. Maughan wrote of Kelly's Burmese dancers; '... they have a strange impenetrability, their gestures are enigmatic and yet significant, they are charming, yet their is something curiously hieratic in their manner, with a sure instinct, and with a more definite feeling for decoration than is possible in a portrait, Mr Kelly has given us the character of the East as we of our generation see it.'