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Lot Essay
The graceful, the elegance and the beautiful, these are the prevalent qualities for the works of Bonnet. It is a constant yearning for the artist to portray the people in the noblest form for eternity. Having spent some time in Florence where he is known to have been painting incessantly, the influence of the Italian masters was evident in the works of Bonnet, manifesting in his accentuation of the grandeur and elegance of people.
Apart from its beautiful people and breathtaking scenery, the rich ritualistic and ceremonial setting of Bali gives Bonnet the perfect grand stage as he depicts his 'performers'. For his perfect delineation of the characters and the impeccable arrangement of the people and their settings, always gives the finished work a dramatic and theatrical mood, befitting the lofty aspiration of the artist - to ensure the records of the people is 'preserved in its classical state'.
The present lot depicts a sacred moment in temple ceremony which is known as Metirta, specifically referring to a moment of receiving the holy water after prayer. The arched bodies of the seated or kneeling individuals form the curvilinear structure of the composition, contrasting to the 2 upright figures in the centre thus attaining a harmonious balance.
Mainly painted in a somber tone corresponding to the solemnity of the moment, such a backdrop, nevertheless allows the white frangipani to glisten brilliantly making the painting less dark.
Apart from its beautiful people and breathtaking scenery, the rich ritualistic and ceremonial setting of Bali gives Bonnet the perfect grand stage as he depicts his 'performers'. For his perfect delineation of the characters and the impeccable arrangement of the people and their settings, always gives the finished work a dramatic and theatrical mood, befitting the lofty aspiration of the artist - to ensure the records of the people is 'preserved in its classical state'.
The present lot depicts a sacred moment in temple ceremony which is known as Metirta, specifically referring to a moment of receiving the holy water after prayer. The arched bodies of the seated or kneeling individuals form the curvilinear structure of the composition, contrasting to the 2 upright figures in the centre thus attaining a harmonious balance.
Mainly painted in a somber tone corresponding to the solemnity of the moment, such a backdrop, nevertheless allows the white frangipani to glisten brilliantly making the painting less dark.