GEORGE KEYT | Portrait of A.M.

Private Collection of Len van Geyzel 
Collection of Harry Pieris
Acquired from the above in Sri Lanka in 1971 Len van Geyzel was a renowned art critic who wrote extensively on the '43 Group of artists in Sri Lanka in Marg and other publications. Harry Pieris who acquired the work from Geyzel was a Sri Lankan painter and founder of the Sapumal Foundation. Pieris along with Lionel Wendt, George Keyt, Ivan Peries and George Claessen were original members of the Colombo '43 Group that laid the foundation of modern art in Sri Lanka. 

M. Russell, George Keyt, Marg Publications, 1950, illustration pl. 30
E. Dissanayake, 'George Keyt: Breaking with Tradition', Orientations, July 1976, illustration p. 34
Exhibition catalogue, George Keyt: 90th Birthday Celebration, Lionel Wendt Gallery, Colombo, 17-21 April 1991, illustration unpaginated
R. Candappa et al., George Keyt, A Centennial Anthology, George Keyt Foundation, Colombo, 2001, illustration p. 10

Scattered wear and pigment losses notably in the corners. Very minor craquelere is visible in the arms of the chair. Scattered strokes of white paint in the work appear inherent. This work is in good condition for its age. The colors are brighter in reality than they appear in the catalogue illustration. UV Light: Few spots along the corners of the work and one in the women's hair are faintly fluorescing under ultra-violet light.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This portrait is from a very early period in George Keyt’s oeuvre, before he embraced modernism and started to paint and draw in his signature abstract and cubist manner. The subjects in Keyt’s very early works were more modest and usually clothed but this voluptuous nude signals a transition from traditional themes to his later, less inhibited portrayals of women.  Mulk Raj Anand has written about his encounter with Keyt and this particular painting, 'I insinuated my way into the godown, stopping to upturn one painting here, another there, until, by chance, I came across a small vertical rectangular frame within which was enshrined the golden brown-yellow figure of a slim-waisted, bewitching girl. 'Prema' the painter said.'That is Martin Russell's favourite picture. And he doesn't want anyone else to see it.' 'That is strange' I said. 'Does it make him feel guilty because it is a nude?' I could feel the sensous warmth of the young female, her every curve demanding to be caressed. The painter did not answer.' (M. R. Anand , 'Conversations,' George Keyt, The George Keyt Felicitation Committee, Colombo, 1977, p. 10)

Painted in 1931, this work also shows the influence of artists such as Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, who combined sharp lines with volume and curves. While the identity of A.M. might forever remain a secret, the painting is a testament to Keyt's talent. 'George Keyt could combine all the atomic flashes into features charged with the high temperature of his own passionate vision.' (ibid., p. 12)