Details
CollectionStraits Chinese Collection
Object numberB2012-0003-012-0
TitlePortrait of a man with two children
CreatorArtist unknown
Description“[This] appears to be a group portrait at first glance but would be more suitably categorized as a single portrait. [It] depicts the setting of a study where a lesson is in progress. Two boys are engaged in the learning process, and while one uses the text as an aid, the other seeks a response from the teacher. A closer examination reveals that only the man’s facial features are individualized. The adult’s naturalistic features and the contrasting simplified features of the children suggest that only the former was the intended subject of the portrait. The inclusion of the two boys in eager pursuit of knowledge is perhaps a device used by the artist to give emphasis to the man’s professional capacity as a tutor. The dating of this portrait is inferred from a piece of newspaper printed in 1910 which was used as backing for the work.” (Inherited & Salvaged, Family Portraits from the NUS Museum Straits Chinese Collection, Page 16).
Production placeProbably Singapore
Object categoryPortrait
MaterialInk and gouache on paper
Dimensions
H: 57 cm
L: 39 cm
H: 83.5 cm
L: 67 cm
L: 39 cm
H: 83.5 cm
L: 67 cm
Credit lineGift of Agnes Tan Kim Lwi