Lot 21 | 24 August 2025

 

 

LOT 21

DULLAH

B. Indonesia, 1919 – 1996

Portrait of A Girl

Oil on canvas

73 x 64 cm

Private Collection, Canada

Signed on lower left

RM 5,000 – 9,000

In Portrait of a Girl, Dullah reveals his mastery in capturing both the likeness and the quiet inner world of his subject. Painted with sensitivity and precision, the young girl is rendered with soft brushstrokes and a restrained palette, her gaze calm yet contemplative. The composition is intimate, drawing the viewer into a moment of stillness and subtle emotion. Dullah, one of Indonesia’s foremost realist painters, was renowned for his portraiture, particularly during his time as a court painter to President Sukarno. His works often reflect a blend of academic realism and cultural warmth, with a focus on human dignity and presence. Portrait of a Girl exemplifies Dullah’s deep respect for his sitters and his exceptional ability to convey character through nuance and expression. It is a timeless piece that resonates with grace and quiet strength.