BATA Jean (DRC, early 20th century) (Untitled) Animated path Oil on canvas. 32 x 41 cm. Signed lower right, early 20th century. Jean Bata, a painter from Bas-Congo, is recognised as a precursor of modern Congolese painting, with documented works dating from the 1940s that demonstrate a distinct poetic style. He was also the brother of Alphonse Kiabelua, another Congolese painter active at the same time.