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Lot Essay
The painter Le Mayeur is very well known by Indonesian collectors for his scenes of Bali life. However it is remarkable that his beautiful and strong works dating from his pre-Bali period are lesser recognised. As a matter of fact, in the '20s and '30s of the 20th century Le Mayeur already held several exhibitions all over Europe. His touch is of a noble grand manner and these works should be represented in the great collections all over the world.
This very rare and sophisticated painting is one of the most important works Le Mayeur executed during the travels that brought him to Africa, India, Venice, St. Tropez, Tahiti, Madagascar and many other destinations.
Besides the notable size, the colours of the work are extremely vivid. The colouring of the pink-red loincloths is so intense that it creates a stark contrast to the atmospheric brown of the skins of the women and the yellow-beige of the sand. Also the composition is very stong and almost overwhelming: two women full in the foreground of the canvas. This compositional structure will be maintained by the painter over the next years (see his works excecuted at St. Tropez and Tahiti).
Le Mayeur was clearly influenced by Gauguin who also searched for exotic locations full of sunlight and colour. Trying to achieve the subtle play of light and shade, Le Mayeur knew how to blend his extensive palette in short, thick brush strokes.
Finally it is the extreme modest way the girls look as if they are lost in thoughts. The atmosphere created for them is very different and more subtle than the more challenging way which the Balinese girls are depicted by Le Mayeur later in his life.
Drs. Cathinka Huizing
Christie's wishes to thank Drs. Cathinka Huizing for her writing of the catalogue entry for the present lot.
This very rare and sophisticated painting is one of the most important works Le Mayeur executed during the travels that brought him to Africa, India, Venice, St. Tropez, Tahiti, Madagascar and many other destinations.
Besides the notable size, the colours of the work are extremely vivid. The colouring of the pink-red loincloths is so intense that it creates a stark contrast to the atmospheric brown of the skins of the women and the yellow-beige of the sand. Also the composition is very stong and almost overwhelming: two women full in the foreground of the canvas. This compositional structure will be maintained by the painter over the next years (see his works excecuted at St. Tropez and Tahiti).
Le Mayeur was clearly influenced by Gauguin who also searched for exotic locations full of sunlight and colour. Trying to achieve the subtle play of light and shade, Le Mayeur knew how to blend his extensive palette in short, thick brush strokes.
Finally it is the extreme modest way the girls look as if they are lost in thoughts. The atmosphere created for them is very different and more subtle than the more challenging way which the Balinese girls are depicted by Le Mayeur later in his life.
Drs. Cathinka Huizing
Christie's wishes to thank Drs. Cathinka Huizing for her writing of the catalogue entry for the present lot.