PROVENANCE:
Elegant Art Center, Taipei
Acquired by the present owner from the above in 1991

This sculpture is to be sold with a certificate of authenticity issued by Elegant Art Center, Taipei.

Jansem was one of the few virtuosos who were able to perfectly instill the atmosphere of a painting into the three-dimensional expression of sculpture. Most of the sculptures are small-scale busts of people with detailed facial expressions that mesmerize with their theatrical flair. For example, in Couple, the gentleman in the top hat holds the figure in front tightly in his arms from the back. In his eyes, one can discern reluctance and the wish to comfort. He has pressed the side of his face closely against the neck of the figure, looking up in trying to make sure that the two of them stay as close together as possible. As she gazes into the distant sky, the face of the woman shows a hint of bitterness, as if no words can describe the pain of separation when in love. This excellent sculpture delicately expresses a struggle of tangled emotions.