Provenance
Indigo Blue Art, Singapore;
Acquired by the vendor from the above in 2006.

Compare
For a similar work sold at Sotheby's, see Indian Art, New York, 19th March 2008, lot 2.

In his enduring legacy as the most distinguished modern artist from Sri Lanka, George Keyt's vivid representations of Maya and Radha can be identified as one of the hallmarks of his artistic practice. Born in 1901, George Keyt started painting when he was 26 and developed a seminal style that grounds bounding lines and rich warmth of colour. A style that found its roots in Cubism, Fauvism and flourished under the influence of ancient South Asian fresco techniques found at Ajanta and Sigiriya.

A trademark of Keyt's figuration, the eyes of the two maidens in the painting bear the marks of the artist's signature stylisation, with their enlarged, almond-shaped eyes and exaggerated features with a focus on bold, crisp lines drawn from a distinct Cubist perspective. The blue, fauvist background of the scene conveys the life and exuberance of Sri Lanka and Keyt's love and passion for this land.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
For all Sales categories, buyer's premium excluding Cars, Motorbikes, Wine, Whisky and Coin & Medal sales, will be as follows:
Buyer's Premium Rates
27.5% on the first £20,000 of the hammer price;
26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20,000 up to and including £700,000;
20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700,000 up to and including £4,500,000;
and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art

*	Import low rate
	VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.

Own a similar item?

Looking for a similar item?

Specialists

Priya Singh

Enrica Medugno

George Keyt (Sri Lankan, 1901-1993)

Footnotes

Additional information

Auction information

Lot Symbols

Related Departments

Conditions of Sale