This painting was created by Indonesian artist Basoeki Abdullah. It portrays an Asian woman wearing a conical hat and an Áo dài, the traditional dress of Vietnam. The composition reflects grace, beauty, and the cultural richness of Southeast Asia.
Key Features of the Work
• Composition and Pose: The woman is seated in an elegant and poised position, with a charming smile that adds warmth and vitality to the portrait.
• Color Tone: The use of soft pinks and light blue background evokes a gentle, serene mood.
• Technique: The artist’s confident brushwork and expressive strokes showcase his technical mastery, giving the painting a sense of depth and liveliness.
• Vietnamese Attire and Hat: The traditional outfit and conical hat are beautifully rendered symbols of Vietnamese culture, possibly hinting at the artist’s connection to the region as a traveler or cultural observer.
𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁
Basoeki Abdullah (1915–1993) was one of Indonesia’s most renowned painters. He was known for his refined and delicate portraiture, blending realism with romanticism. His works often celebrated the beauty of women and the cultural essence of Southeast Asia. Basoeki painted for royalty and prominent figures both in Indonesia and internationally. In Thai contexts, he is sometimes referred to as “Raden Basuki” or “Radet Basuki”, reflecting a Thai adaptation of his noble title and name.
• Basoeki Abdullah was born into the Abdullah royal family from Yogyakarta.
• He studied art at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, Netherlands, and gained international recognition for his works.
• His paintings are part of collections in royal palaces across Southeast Asia, including Thailand—contributing to his familiarity in the Thai art world under the adapted name “Radet Basuki”.
What does “Radet Basuki” mean?
• The term “Radet” (from the Indonesian “Raden”) is a noble title, often used for aristocrats or persons of high status, and has been adopted into the Thai language.
• “Basuki” is a Thai transliteration of his given name, Basoeki.
• His full name is Raden Basoeki Abdullah, where “Raden” signifies his noble heritage—similar to “Radet” in Thai.
