Willem Gerard Hofker

Sotheby's Singapore, October 12 2003, Lot 26
Private Collection, Geneva

The work is in good condition overall, as is the paper, which is free from foxing, tears and holes. There is light wear and handling around the edges of the painting, but only visible upon close observation. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals no evidence of restoration. Any inconsistency is due to the artist's working method. Framed, under Plexiglas.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

“In particular it was the stature and beauty of the proud Balinese women which fascinated Willem, as it did [to] many of the other artists who visited Bali at the time. Though the round faces and often attenuated bodies of Balinese women were foreign to traditional Western standards of female beauty, Willem was obviously won over by their mystery and sensuality.”¹

Bali Offering demonstrates Hofker’s love for the human form. His portraits of Balinese women are the most sensuous and natural of the Western painters in Bali. Whereas artist such as Spies and Bonnet tended to stylize their figures, Hofker preferred naturalistic features - from poses to facial expressions to the most tangible rendering of glow and youthful subjects. The artist mastered the impressionistic style, through illuminating the contours of the two figure's with elegance.

¹ Bruce Carpenter cited in Willem Hofker: Schilder van/ Painter of Bali, Pictures Publishers, Wijk en Aalburg, The Netherlands, 1993, P. 35