South African art records continue to be broken

November 7, 2011   [ Archived ]

At an auction by Strauss & Co last night several new South African art auction records were established despite the weaker art market.

Hugo Naudé’s Namaqualand in Spring’s R 1 559 600 broke the record established some eight years ago putting this underrated Cape Impressionist artist back on centre stage. Another impressive result was achieved for Gerard Sekoto’s Outside the Shop which sold for R3 119 200. This painting was acquired by the seller at an auction in Pretoria in October 1987 for R2300 – a truly remarkable return. Anton van Wouw’s bronze of a Boer scout sold for R 1 058 300, twice the pre-sale estimate.

Irma Stern Still Life with Roses sold for R 4 456 000, confirming this artist’s stature in the South African art market.
The sale brought Strauss & Co’s total for the year to R170 million - more than 90% of last year’s total - a boom year for the art market and close on double the total achieved in 2009 firmly establishing their position as market leaders in South African art.

Bina Genovese, spokesman for the company, attributed the success to the company’s high professional expertise and marketing strength.

Records were achieved for:
Hugo Naude’, Trevor Makhoba, Diederick During, Joachim Schonfeldt and Eben van der Merwe amongst others.

Bina Genovese
Media Enquiries, Executive Director
083 680 9944