Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merprès Ni Pollock by the Fish Pond Executed in 1946

Acquired directly from the artist in the late 1940s
Thence by descent
Private Collection, the Netherlands

The work is in good condition overall. There is evidence of pin-sized holes located on the top left corner, top right corner and bottom right corner, along with a minor paint loss on the top left margin. However, this is only visible upon very close observation. 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 1946, after the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies, a Dutch mother and her young children settled in Denpasar on the mystical island of Bali. Shortly hereafter, she was reunited with her husband, a prisoner of war survivors who have just returned from a POW camp.

At the time, the family often visited the Belgian artist Adrien Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres and his beloved wife and muse Ni Pollock in their home in Sanur. Despite the fact that Le Mayeur was initially disinclined to part with his precious drawing, which he had intended to use as a study for an oil painting, he eventually sold it to them.

The present lot is a striking, quintessential work by the artist, who reveled in the beauty of his wife against the tranquil ambience of Bali. It features the artist’s most darling motifs, summoning a paradise housing young ladies so in tune with their natural milieu.