Dancer

PROPERTY OF A DISTINGUISHED LADY

Oil on canvas
1982
23 3/8 × 19 3/8 in. (59.4 × 49.3 cm.)

Signed and dated ‘Hebbar / 82’ lower right

Hebbar’s mastery over capturing rhythm and movement on his canvas, and his continued interest in Indian dance is evident in Dancer. Choosing a spare background, possibly a stage, he has depicted a single dancer, lissome and elegant in her chosen pose. Her arms extend gracefully above her head, echoed in the outstretched leg behind her. Her costume lends a wonderful burst of colour to the otherwise plain setting, which will be further animated once she begins to dance. Through a simple but effective use of line and colour, Hebbar communicates both the serenity and energy contained within the dancer.
Condition: The colours of the original are slightly less saturated than the catalogue illustration. Scattered abrasions are visible along the extreme edges, especially along the lower edge, partially visible in the catalogue illustration. Minor spot of pigment loss in the black tone of the hairline. Minor rubbing along the lower edge of the work, and minor flaw to the weave of the canvas to the centre of the lower edge, partially visible in the catalogue illustration. Minor spots of retouching are visible to the right foot and ankle of the figure, which fluoresce when inspected under UV light. There is an associated patch to the reverse of the work at this spot. Further minor areas of retouching are visible to the background white tones, along the upper, right and left edges of the work when inspected under UV light. Overall good condition.