Regal portrait of a kakek, or grandfather, by famed Indonesian artist Dullah (1919-1996). Dullah was known for his portraits and this is a fabulous example of that genre from his brush. The date of composition is not known but sometime in the 1970s seems likely.

Oil on canvas.

Image 23” x 19.25”

Frame 24” x 27.75”.

CONDITION: The canvas has a slight impression at the bottom left which is not easily noticed from the front but is evident from the back. The back also reveals several white daubs to the canvas. The frame has some chips and general wear. 

DULLAH was esteemed for his realistic portraiture and for his immense contributions to Indonesian art. He was curator of the art collection of Sukarno, the first President of the Republic of Indonesia (1945-1967), and produced a rare two-volume limited edition monograph of more than 200 paintings from that collection. He taught art in Indonesian for many years while he painted.

More than 200 Dullah pieces, among them many portraits, have sold at auction; the average price for his oil paintings is $8,779. Dullah was and will always remain one of the great Indonesian artists of the twentieth century.