WILLEM HOFKER
(1902-1981)

Ni Asoeg in Ardja

Etching, 25 x 23 cm

Signed in the lower left corner: “W.G. Hofker”.

Inscribed in the lower right corner: “Bali”.

Provenance: ambassador Gerardo Carante.
Born in The Hague, Willem Hofker distinguished himself from an early age for a precocious talent for art, obtaining important commissions, including a portrait of Queen Wilhemina. In 1938 he left with his wife to the Dutch colonies in Asia. In 1940 he reached Ubud, Bali, where he decided to settle. Although he suffered in first person the consequences of the ongoing war, in those years he produced remarkable works centered on the Balinese culture. In 1946 he was forced to return to The Netherlands. His popularity grew exponentially after the publication in 1978 of a book dedicated to his Balinese period. He was equally skilled in oil painting, drawing and engraving.