勒邁耶

The work is in good condition overall, as is the canvas, which is clear and sound. Upon close observation, there is evidence of light wear and handling around the edges of the painting, along with networks of faint craquelures on the lower left petal (underneath the feet of the leftmost weaver), on the middle of the top margin (white impasto), and on the headdress of the middle weaver. Impastos are healthy and stable. Any inconsistency is due to the artist's working method. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals no sign of restoration. Framed with the artist's original frame.
"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."

回顧歷史，自從地圖學等現代文明進步為旅行帶來便利，歐洲探險家就開始遊遍東南亞，帶回種種神秘異鄉故事。而到了二十世紀初，一些歐洲人更選擇移居此地。他們被那裡的熱帶地貌和濃郁燦爛的人文氣息而吸引，比利時藝術家勒邁耶便是當時這群探險者之一。

勒邁耶最初從高更筆下的法屬波利尼西亞和大溪地中大受啟發，但不久便發現這些群島早已失去了像畫作《艾里歐的種子》（圖1）裡的那種迷人味道。他在1930年代遊訪峇里島，才終於找到其夢中嚮往的那個世界。

畫幅《園中三織女》呈現的自然景緻與峇里女子是勒邁耶最喜愛的兩個主題。其畫風承自印象派，厚重的筆觸在畫幅上展現熱帶島嶼的動植物風光和人文風情。畫中四周的艷麗花卉環繞中間的織女，在橘黃和紅色花朵的烘托下，她們的臉龐和身軀更顯容光煥發，赭色的紗籠與頭巾既帶出畫面的紅色調子，也映襯背景中的點點黃與綠，甚是一片和諧融洽美景。

勒邁耶對女性的描繪深受其妻子妮·帕洛的影響，妮·帕洛是一位出色的雷貢舞者，常以脫塵容顏出現在勒邁耶的畫面上，動人美態主導畫幅，始終如一。《園中峇里女子》（圖3）與《峇里女子》（圖4）中的焦點便是伊人，其容貌永遠清秀明麗。此畫中的妮·帕洛正站起身來，綠色頭巾使其格外突出。

勒邁耶曾受傳統學院派藝術教育，其作品之主題、畫風，尤其是構圖都不失歐洲大師風範。桑德羅·波提且利的畫作《春》（圖5）之中的美惠三女神相伴而起舞，是此構圖之唯美代表，無數後世藝術家隨之效仿。勒邁耶的作品中也很少見單人女子像，多為三幾人一組，而不多於五人。《園中三織女》和《園中峇里女子》的構圖相似，三位女子的婀娜動態與背景相得益彰。

勒邁耶的畫作不僅以舞蹈為材，也取當地女子的其他日常活動作為主題，這與埃德加·德加筆下的芭蕾舞者有異曲同工之妙。此畫中的女子便正圍著織布機工作，和德加的《藍衣舞者》（圖6）相似，她們相互依伴，專注在手頭的工作，神態自若，並沒有注意到觀者的目光。

勒邁耶陶醉於如斯樸秀之美，在畫布上傳遞這種賞心悅目的美學。他的作品像是色彩的交響樂，奏出熱帶的生機勃勃，也是他對峇里島和其人民的由衷敬愛。