STRAUSS & CO’S SUMMER AUCTION
Excitement builds in anticipation of Strauss’s February Auction
One of Irma Stern’s most compelling portraits ever to come to the market will be offered at Strauss & Co’s upcoming auction to be held on 4 February at the Vineyard Hotel in Newlands. Malay Girl, painted in 1938, confirms her unparalleled stature as a portraiture artist, (estimates R10 000 000 – 15 000 000). The South African auction world has seen no comparable example since Strauss & Co sold Stern’s Arab in June 2012 for R17 267 000.
The discovery of two exceptional paintings by Maggie Laubser, is creating great interest amongst art lovers and collectors. Laubser’s Portrait of a Girl with Geese (estimates R1 500 000 – 2 000 000) and Still Life with Poppies (R350 000 – 500 000) are both examples of her early and most sought-after works.
Anton van Wouw’s bronze, Miner with a Hand Drill, cast at the G. Massa Foundry in Rome under the sculptor’s close supervision in 1911, is estimated at R1 600 000 – 2 200 000. Measuring 60cm high few castings exist of this large bronze.
Figures in a Landscape by Walter Battiss (R1 600 000 – 2 200 000) is exciting much interest as paintings on this scale and quality are seldom seen at auction. Also included are rare paintings by Hugo Naudé, Pieter Wenning, Wolf Kibel, Stanley Pinker, early works by Penny Siopis, William Kentridge and by younger artists who are making waves on the local and international art scene, such as Matt Hindley and Kudzanai Chiurai.
44 lots from the private collection of design maestro Erich Frey highlight the jewellery session. Featuring individual hand-crafted pieces of extraordinary design, some of which were special commissions, each is eye-catching, original, theatrical and a “conversation starter”. Period pieces include a Cartier Belle Epoque ribbon bow brooch (R160 000 – 180 000) and a magnificent English pendant/brooch (R70 000 – 90 000).
Cape silver includes, amongst others, an important Cape silver presentation covered cup by silversmith John Townsend (R250 000 – 300 000).
Cape furniture from the collection of Dr Bothma Buitendag, long term owner of Tulbagh Antiques, whose name is synonymous with quality and rarity, includes a 19th century pair of yellowwood, stinkwood and witels half-moon tables (R30 000 – 40 000) and a 19th century Riversdale yellowwood and stinkwood jonkmanskas (R150 000 – 200 000). From another collection is an important 18th century Cape West Coast cedarwood, pine and inlaid cupboard (R250 000 – 300 000). The sale has an interesting selection of Chinese works of art including two 16th/17th century bronze bells made for the Japanese market (R60 000 – 80 000) and 26 watercolours from the collection of the Countess of Kenmare, and thence by descent to The Honourable Patricia Cavendish O’Neill (R40 000 – 60 000). www.straussart.co.za
| Auction in Cape Town – Monday 4 February 2013, The Vineyard Hotel, Conference Centre, NewlandsJewellery at 11amFurniture, Silver, Ceramics & Glass at 2pmSouth African & International Art at 5pmImportant South African and International Art at 8pmPreview: From Friday 1 to Sunday 3 February from 10am to 5pm Walkabout: Conducted by Stephan Welz and Emma Bedford, Sunday 3 February at 11am Enquiries: +27 (0) 21 683 6560 Contact numbers during viewing and auction: mobile +27 (0) 78 044 8185 Fax +27 (0) 21 683 6560 Catalogues are available and can be purchased at R120 online or from our offices. |
Media Liaison:
Bina Genovese, Executive Director +27 (0) 21 683 6560 / +27 (0) 78 044 8185
