LOT 82
MOHD HOESSEIN ENAS, DATUK
B. Indonesia, 1924 – 1995
Portrait of a Malay Woman, 1963
Oil on board
73 x 54 cm
Private Collection, Canada
Signed and dated “Hoessein ‘63” on lower right
RM 40,000 – 70,000
An indelible figure in the landscape of Malaysian art, Indonesian born National Portrait Laureate Datuk Mohd Hoessein Enas championed anakademis, classical realist style that sought to capture the dignity and authentic soul of the nation’s people. This dedication to cultural identity shines beautifully in his exquisite 1963 masterpiece, Portrait of A Malay Woman, painted during the historic year of Malaysia’s formation. Executed with his signature luminous oil technique and an extraordinary sensitivity to human emotion, the artwork portrays its subject not as a romanticizedcaricature, but with a refined, graceful presence that commands respect. Enas masterfully captures the soft, natural play of light on the folds ofher traditional attire and the serene, contemplative depth in her eyes, infusing the canvas with a quiet psychological gravity. By balancing technical precision with profound empathy, Portrait of A Malay Woman stands as a timeless emblem of post independence national pride, celebrating the quiet strength, elegance, and enduring spirit of Malayan womanhood.