Study of the mural work in Makasar

The present work was clearly a study, as stated by the artist on the work, for the mural which was commissioned for the house of the governor in Makasar. What was depicted in the work were the 3 ethnic groups of South Celebes, namely the fish representing Makasar, Toradja as the peasants and Boeginezen as sailors and merchants. On the mural, it was discussed that "They (the commissioned works) become posed and the decorative element becomes the most important one. The murals at Makaser have an artificial impression. But Bonnet succeeds anyway to show the differences between the three population groups. The compositions are well balanced, and everyone is doing their tasks. The bodies of the men are beautifully drawn, the draped cloths are nothing more than playful details." (Dr. H. de Roever-Bonnet, Rudolf Bonnet Een zondagskind, Pictures Publishers, Wijk en Aalburg, 1991, p. 82).