Global Auction proudly presents The Legacy of Maestro Jeihan Sukmantoro – A Collection of Masterpieces from the Estate, featuring 73 artworks spanning from 1950 to 2019. This special auction, running from 17 March to 11 April 2025, is not just a sale but a rare artistic retrospective, offering collectors and enthusiasts a chance to witness the evolution of one of Indonesia’s most celebrated modern artists.
This event will be conducted as a timed auction leading to a live online auction on 11 April 2025. Each artwork tells a story, marking key phases in Jeihan’s life, from his early years as a rising artist to his later, more established period.
Who Was Jeihan Sukmantoro? A Visionary in Indonesian Modern Art
Jeihan Sukmantoro was an artist of profound depth and distinct artistic identity. Born in Indonesia, he studied at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), an institution known for its Western artistic influences. However, Jeihan resisted full assimilation into these ideals and instead carved out a style that was uniquely his own—one deeply rooted in Indonesian identity, philosophy, and spiritual depth.
His paintings, particularly his portraits, captivate and intrigue. His subjects are often characterized by their black, hollow eyes, an artistic choice that goes beyond aesthetics. To Jeihan, these eyes symbolized the unknowability of the human soul, a reflection of the mysteries of existence.
A Journey Through Jeihan’s Artistic Evolution
The Early Years: 1950s - 1960s
This auction provides a rare glimpse into Jeihan’s beginnings, featuring paintings from his childhood—some created when he was just 12 years old. As he transitioned into adulthood in the 1960s, Jeihan began developing his artistic voice while navigating academic expectations. This was a turning point—a decade marked by experimentation and internal conflict, where he slowly introduced the now-iconic black eyes into his works.
The political turbulence of the time subtly found its way into his canvases, making these works not only personal but also reflections of Indonesia’s sociopolitical landscape.
Horse and Man, 1950
Oil on canvas : 30 x 40 cm
Siblings, 1963
Oil on canvas : 65 x 50 cm
Signed and dated, lower right : Jeihan ‘63
Finding His Signature: 1970s - 1980s
By the 1970s, Jeihan had solidified his artistic identity. His portraits became more intimate and deeply personal, often depicting his family, close friends, and people from his neighborhood. His restrained palette added to the meditative stillness of his figures, reinforcing the emotional depth of his subjects.
Throughout the 1980s, Jeihan’s works continued to mature, cementing his reputation as one of Indonesia’s most distinctive modern artists.
Abdul Hadi Dreaming in Cicadas, 1974
Oil on canvas : 185 x 135 cm
Signed and dated, upper right : Jeihan ‘74
Asih, My Wife, 1971
Oil on canvas : 98 x 100 cm
Signed and dated, upper right : Jeihan’71
Juli, 1982
Oil on canvas : 90 x 70 cm
Signed and dated, upper left : Jeihan ‘82
A Bold New Chapter: 1990s - 2010s
The 1990s saw a significant transformation—his use of color became bolder and more expressive. While the solemn black eyes remained, his compositions began to burst with more vibrant and confident hues. This shift reflected a new playfulness and creative liberation in his later years.
His later works, spanning the 2000s and 2010s, show an artist unafraid to evolve, pushing boundaries while staying true to his essence. By this time, his artistic fascination with women had deepened, now focusing on strong, independent figures.
As his inner restlessness settled, Jeihan embraced new encounters, new perspectives, and a modernized view of femininity, capturing women not just as muses but as creators, leaders, and symbols of resilience.
Suzi, 1997
Oil on canvas : 90 x 100 cm
Signed and dated, upper right : Jeihan ‘97
Mother and Child, 2013
Oil on canvas : 90 x 140 cm
Signed and dated, lower right: Jeihan ‘13
Girl with Guitar, 2008
Oil on canvas : 140 x 140 cm
Signed and dated, Lower left: Jeihan’08
White Srimpi, 2013
Oil on canvas : 140 x 140 cm
Signed and dated, upper left: Jeihan’13
Beyond Portraits: A Hidden Side of Jeihan’s Work
While best known for his portraits, Jeihan’s artistic curiosity extended beyond the human form. This collection includes rarely seen pieces, such as landscapes and animal studies, revealing another facet of his creativity.
Blue Sea, 1970
Oil on canvas : 70 x 70 cm
Signed and dated, lower left : Jeihan ‘70
Cat, 1999
Oil on canvas : 90 x 90 cm
Signed and dated, lower left : Jeihan ‘99
Among the auction highlights is his 1999 Hajj and Spirituality series, created after his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1998. These works provide an intimate look at his spiritual reflections and offer a glimpse into how faith and artistry intertwined in his later years.
Jumrah Aqabah in Mina, 1999
Oil on canvas : 140 x 140 cm
Signed and dated, lower right : Jeihan ‘99
Tawaf, 1999
Oil on canvas : 140 x 140 cm
Signed and dated, lower middle : Jeihan ‘99
Experience the Masterpieces in Person
See these masterpieces up close at Global Auction’s Jakarta office (Jl. Tanah Abang IV No. 23-35, 2nd floor) on 17-27 March & 8-10 April 2025. We're open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The live online auction begins on 11 April 2025, at 7 PM (UTC+7).
Register now at https://bid.global.auction.
For the full catalogue, visit www.global.auction or contact us at [email protected] or +6282123443854 (Paulina).