In this ongoing series for Fine Art Today, we take a longer look at the history and features of a soon-to-be-available artwork of note. This week: “Boy With Red Lantern.” Can you guess its distinguished creator?
A stunning painting by Chinese master Lee Man Fong (1913-1988) highlights an auction next week at Michaan’s Auctions in Alameda, California. Born in Guangzhou, China, Fong would eventually have many artistic and political ties, including with President Sukarno of Indonesia and Van Mook, the Netherlands lieutenant-governor general.
The beautiful, expressive, and colorful work “Boy with Red Lantern” vibrates with life and energy. Pensively looking out of the picture and toward the viewer’s right, a young boy is shown in three-quarter length, holding a red lamp. Surrounded by a golden background, another figure can loosely be deciphered just above the boy’s right shoulder. The painting is a lovely representation of Fong’s mastery of hue and the expressive brushwork that collectors have come to admire.
“Boy with Red Lantern” highlights Michaan’s Auctions December 18 “Fine Asian Works of Art” sale and has an estimate between $20,000 and $30,000. To learn more, visit Live Auctioneers.
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