VARIOUS PROPERTIES George Keyt was Sinhalese-Dutch by birth and started painting at the age of 26. Living in Sri Lanka, he derived a unique visual idiom for himself that combined the fresco techniques of Ajanta and Sigiraya with the structural principles of Cubism and other Modern European techniques. However, his subject matter remained rooted in local tradition, with considerable influence from Hindu and Buddhist mythology.

GEORGE KEYT (1901 - 1993)

Ratikeli

Details

GEORGE KEYT (1901 - 1993)
Ratikeli
Signed and dated 'G Keyt 74' upper left and inscribed '"Ratikeli" by G Keyt' on reverse
Oil on canvas
33 5/8 x 30 in. (85.4 x 76.3 cm.)

Lot Essay

Keyt's work is usually characterized by the use of bright colors and lively patterns. In Ratikeli, he shows an amorous couple that may be a local version of the eternal love story of Radha and Krishna. He has managed to achieve a "highly personal curvilinear rhythm, contrasting graceful movements, delineation of round and flat forms on the same picture plane and a feeling of highly intense sensuality." (Laxmi P. Sihare, 'Keyt - Asian Painter', George Keyt, A Centennial Anthology, Colombo, 2001, p. 31.)

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