Lot 509: HENDRIK PAULIDES (The Netherlands 1892-1967)

The gender player
signed, dated and inscribed 'HP, Djocja 1930' (lower right)
mixed media on paper
39 x 36 in. (100 x 92 cm)

"Everything I have sacrificed to reach what I saw as the purpose of my life, namely expressing the beauty of the East Indies in monumental fine art", in a letter to the Colonial Institute, dated 9 February 1936, the artist penned his thoughts on one of his important source of inspiration - the Dutch East Indies. Although Paulides only travelled to the East Indies twice, the land and its people along with the Art Deco movement are two main influences in his art. This is evident with his penchant for the East Indies subjects and his rendering of his works in strong graphic undertones of decorative art that makes his works stand out uniquely amongst his peers.

The Balinese orchestra or gamelan forms an integral part of any dance-drama. The leading instrument is always the drum. Together with the cymbals (ceng-ceng) and gongs, the drum provides the rhythmical accents for the dancer. Floating above the rhythm, the recurring melody is provided by rows of gender, instruments which consist of metal keys which resonate over hollow bamboo tubes when hit by a hammer.

This painting was on loan by Paulides to the Colonial Institute from 1953 to 1981. In the archives of the KIT, the work is described as "A water-colour painting depicting a Javanese gender player. In the background is a flowering anthurium plant. The painting was produced by the provider of the loan and signed in the lower right HP. Djocja, 1930. The painting is framed in glided wooden frame behind glass.