signed, annotated and dated 'Arie Smit /Bali. / 79'; with address of the painter in Sanur (on a label on the reverse)

oil on canvas, unframed, 40x50 cm

Provenance: -Mr Bart Lulofs, hence by descent to the present owner

This painting by artist Arie Smit dates back to 1979. Bart Lulofs, the father of the current owner, was a journalist working for the Telegraaf newspaper who met Arie Smit on one of his many trips to Indonesia. During his lengthy career as a journalist, spanning from 1947 to 1987, Bart Lulofs wrote profusely about the Dutch East Indies, the Royal Dutch East Indies Army, the Independence and New Guinea.

Lulofs visited Indonesia at least three times in the period from 1979 to 1987, to report on the Netherlands’ history in Asia. The improper treatment of the soldiers in the Royal Dutch East Indies Army by the Dutch government and their struggle for recognition formed an important theme in Lulofs journalistic work. He met the painter, Arie Smit, on one of his trips and was given this painting. The exact place and date of the meeting is not known. Indeed, it is important to mention that Arie Smit served in the Royal Dutch East Indies Army from 1938 to 1950.