Lot Essay
Dewa Poetoe (Putu) (Lot 7096) is an exemplary post-war work expressing Bonnet's renewed dedication to his artistic practice. The sitter is Dewa Putu Bedil, one of the youngest members of the Pita Maha movement who had received instruction and encouragement from Bonnet in developing his own artistic style. A rare case in Bonnet's oeuvre depicting a named sitter whom Bonnet had a close personal relationship with, Dewa Poetoe (Putu) is a particularly exceptional study of expression, and a triumphant continuation of Bonnet's mastery in portraiture.