Details
CollectionStraits Chinese Collection
Object numberB2014-0001-003-0
TitlePortrait of Ong Seok Neo (Mrs Chee Kiat Bong)
CreatorOng Qwee Hong
Description“On the portrait of Ong Seok Neo [B2014-0001-003-0], the inscription left by the artist has largely become indistinct and three interpretations have arisen with regard to its year of production – 1886, from a photograph taken prior to conservation treatment 1859(?), in the conservator’s report; and 1850, based on recent examinations carried out by the Museum. Ong’s portrait forms a pair with the accompanying piece featuring her husband Chee Kiat Bong [B2014-0001-002-0]. Although a date is not discernible on the latter, the two pieces make up a double portrait and would have been painted around the same time. Peter Lee, one of the essay contributors in this volume, points out that Chee Kiat Bong was born in 1839 and was only 11 and 20 years old in 1850 and 1859 respectively. As the paintings depict an older couple, Lee proposes 1886 as a more plausible dating. Referencing the image of the pre conserved work …the date of Ong’s portrait is captured in the catalogue as 1886. The portrait of her husband is recorded as c.1886, suggesting that this was a posthumous piece as Chee Kiat Bong passed away in 1881.” (Inherited & Salvaged, Family Portraits from the NUS Museum Straits Chinese Collection, Page 19)
Production placeProbably Singapore or Malacca
Production date 1886
Dimensions
H: 62.5 cm
L: 48 cm
L: 48 cm
Credit lineGift of Sharron Chee Guek Kee in memory of Chee Teng Kwee
