Walter Spies (1895 Russia-1942 Indonesia), 'Saving the Crop' or '8th December 1941', oil and lacquer with brushed gold, on a lacquered panel. Monogrammed 'W. S.' lower left. Unframed, 30 x 44.7cm. It is believed 'this picture was painted on 8th December 1941, as one of the two last works Walter Spies mentioned in his diaries. It depicts the moment when armed guards leave their hut and walk out into the jungle. The branches of the trees are bare in order to spot arriving Japanese forces'.