Lot 22: Anak Agung Gede Meregeg (Padangtegal, 1912-2000)

A Cowherd Asleep Executed circa 1933 Wash technique on paper, pencil framing lines, framed and glazed. 61 x 47 cm. Before 1934/35 the artist was also known as I Dewa Gede Meregeg. He was a member of the Pita Maha artists' association and, together with his cousin Anak Agung Gede Sobrat, can be considered as among the main representatives of the Ubud delegation. According to Bonnet, in his renowned article from 1936, in 'Beeldende kunst in Gianjar', Djawa, vol. XVI, the renewal of Balinese art started in Ubud with Walter Spies commissioning paintings from the cousins on wooden panel in 1931/32 (e.g.: Sobrat: Bali Life sold in these rooms 6 October 1996, lot 354 and Meregeg: Rama, Sita and Lahksma, sold in these rooms 28 September 1997, lot 737). The present compares to almost the identical composition by the same artist dating around 1933, now kept in the Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde, Leiden, The Netherlands (slightly smaller in width). The version in Leiden served as the front cover illustration for a catalogue of an exhibition of Balinese art, which is to date considered a key document in this field (Utrecht, Centraal Museum, Hedendaagse Kunst van Bali, 15 September - 3 December 1962, no. 14). The latter work integrates a sky fully closed with black ink, as if it were a night scene, whereas the present lot, which most probably derives from the same period, has an 'open' sky, which suggests day time (this seems more appropriate as the herdsman is caught dozing off whilst seated). The highly decorative trees against the clear bright sky are thus less contrasting and so they enhance the serene and silent atmosphere characteristic of Meregeg's work. The emphasis here is more on the bright white ox, which subtly contrast with the lush vegetation in the foreground. The simplicity of the outlining, in particular the ox, in combination with the decorative vegetation, give the composition a monumental appeal, slightly reminiscent of the 'Escher' like work from Meregeg's contemporaries from the Sanur area. Inscribed on the reverse with the name of a previous owner: 'A. A. Ross'. See also the List of Exhibitions in this catalogue.