Affandi

Christie's, Hong Kong, July 6, 2003, Lot 67
Private Collection, UK

The painting is in overall good condition. Other than some undulations /uneveness of the canvas on the lower register, the canvas is also fine. There is evidence of wear and handling along with the associated paint losses, mostly along the margins of the left, upper left, upper right, right margin . There are scattered pin holes around the margins, near the edge (perhaps due to previous stretching and framing).A scratch is present on the top margin (above the pig) and there are some impasto / paint loss on the tail of the dog and on the hair of the figure, but the paint layers are stable. Dust accretion have accumulated in the crevices of the impastos and the painting may benefit from a clean, which would bring out the strong emerald green palette that is typical among the artist's oeuvre. The colour of the painting is slightly brighter in reality. The work is in overall Framed.
"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."

"People often ask Affandi when did he actually shift to expressionism, and when did he become captivated by themes of everyday life and people. As might be expected of his character, Affandi cannot recall himself when he made the changes... Styles change through a gradual process. The change takes place almost imperceptibly so that we cannot see clear stylistic demarcations. Shifts in style are usually the result of a reflective selection of a number of stimuli and inputs. Only after some period of time. When the artist has thought about and experimented sufficiently, can we say that there has been an actual shift in the artist's style. For Affandi, themes of everyday life seem to have always been a source of inspiration."
UMAR KAYAM CITED IN RAKA SUMICHAN AND UMAR KAYAM, AFFANDI, YAYASAN BINA LESTARI BUDAYA, JAKARTA, 1987, P. 219.