
Fresh-to-market paintings by Pierneef, Preller, Sekoto and Stern to be sold during Johannesburg Auction Week
23 Oct 2023
• Johannesburg Auction Week presents 247 lots with combined value of
R71 million-100 million
• Exceptional landscapes by modernists J.H. Pierneef and Moses Tladi
• High-value still lifes by Irma Stern and Alexis Preller
• Rare Kentridge prints lead specialist sale focusing on South African print studios
• Important contemporary art by Tracey Rose, Athi-Patra Ruga Billie Zangewa
Strauss & Co, Africa’s leading auction house, announces Johannesburg Auction Week (6-8 November 2023), a series of curated auctions bringing together works by modernist pioneers and contemporary innovators. Among the many highlights are three rare landscapes by Moses Tladi, the first black artist to exhibit in the South African National Gallery, intensive artist focuses on William Kentridge and J.H. Pierneef, and an important textile work from 2008 by Billie Zangewa.
The Evening Sale of Modern and Contemporary Art which takes place on Tuesday 7 November, presents collectors with fresh-to-market paintings, many unseen in decades, by Maggie Laubser, Alexis Preller, Irma Stern and Gerard Sekoto. Bronzes by acclaimed mid-century sculptors Ezrom Legae and Sydney Kumalo lead a strong presentation of influential Amadlozi Group artists, including works by Cecil Skotnes and Edoardo Villa. Five sought-after Kentridge bronzes, four of them derived from his 2016 series Shadow Figure, lead a superb presentation of contemporary art by Marlene Dumas, Georgina Gratrix and Athi-Patra Ruga. A standalone auction of South African prints from six studios also offers a deep-dive into Kentridge’s fascinating career as a printmaker.
“Johannesburg Auction Week offers fabulous variety, from rare modernist oils and bronzes to contemporary prints, paintings and textiles by artists with significant museum and institutional interest,” says Dr. Alastair Meredith, Head of Sale, Strauss & Co. “Moses Tladi is now highly sought after at market, more so since his acquisition by the Iziko South African National Gallery. William Kentridge and Tracey Rose have recently both received international career retrospectives, in London and New York respectively. A new catalogueraisonné devoted to the sculptures of Sydney Kumalo and Ezrom Legae, coupled with an exhibition in London, has further stimulated interest in these two important mid-century sculptors.”
Adds Dr. Alastair Meredith: “Strauss & Co has played an important role in maintaining benchmark prices for J.H. Pierneef. For Johannesburg Auction Week, we have gathered one of the finest presentations of Pierneef landscapes to appear at market in recent years. The consignment is led by a monumental portrayal of Rustenburg Kloof (estimate R3 – 4 million / $159 430 – 265 717), an enduring Pierneef subject, and an extensive landscape with rolling veld rendered in a gorgeous medley of pinks, yellows and greens (estimate R3 – 5 million / $159 430 – 265 717). For specialist collectors, there are three Pierneef works dated 1926. They include two highly collectable caseins and an oil painting of a golden willow tree on the Pienaars River (estimate R1 – 1.5 million / $53 143 – 79 715). This striking work is titled Die Kuile in die Pienaarsrivier by Roodeplaat and forms part of an extraordinary cache of works assembled by the late Professor Danie Joubert, a former Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of Pretoria.”
Other notable works from private collections being offered during Johannesburg Auction Week include Alexis Preller’s Vibrating Figure (estimate R1.2 – 1.6 million / $ 63 772 – 85 029). Painted in 1952, this evocative still life was acquired a year later by art historian Frieda Harmsen. The premier evening sale of modern and contemporary art on Tuesday, 7 November also includes Alex Preller’s stunning 1948 composition, Still Life with Lilies and Shell (estimate R2 – 3million / $106 287 – 159 430). Together with Irma Stern’s Still Life with Irises and Anemones from 1954 (estimate R4 – 5 million / $ 212 574 – 265 717), Preller’s work leads a diverse consignment of important genre painters, among them Gerard Bhengu, Maggie Laubser, and Maud Sumner.
Two works by William Kentridge – a 1989 drawing from his Deluge Series (estimate R2 – 3 million / $106 287 – 159 430) and a multi-panel print from 2019 titled Irises, Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope (estimate R1 – 1.5 million / $53 143 – 79 715) – underscore the durability of landscape and still life as contemporary modes of expression. These works by Kentridge form part of a strong offering of nine lots – five bronzes and four works on paper – being offered in the premier evening sale. This presentation forms part of a diversified focus on Kentridge throughout Johannesburg Auction Week.
Johannesburg Auction Week commences on Monday, 6 November 2023 with Defining Impressions: A Selection of Prints from South African Studios. The 80 lots on offer are chiefly linked to six studios: The Artists’ Press, Artist Proof Studio, The Caversham Press, David Krut Workshop, Legate Lithography Editions (LL Editions) and Jillian Ross Print. Alongside prints by Willem Boshoff, Phillemon Hlungwani, Robert Hodgins, Themba Khumalo, Blessing Ngobeni, Nelson Makamo, Lady Skollie and Diane Victor, there is a substantial presentation of works on paper by William Kentridge.
An innovative and prolific printmaker, William Kentridge has shown an unswerving commitment to print since the mid-1970s. Strauss & Co is honoured to present three rare etchings from his 1978 series Carlton Centre Games Arcade (estimate R50 000 – 70 0000 / $ 2 657 – 3 720) in a single lot. The small prints were executed by Kentridge at his mentor Bill Ainslie’s studio in Saxonwold, Johannesburg. Important Kentridge prints on offer in this sale include Iris II (In Clamp) from 2005 (estimate R750 000 – 850 000 / $ 39 858 – 45 172) and the 2013 linocut Hope in the Green Leaves (estimate R600 000 – 800 000 / $ 31 886 – 42 515). Defining Impressions features an extensive education programme organised by Wilhelm van Rensburg, Senior Art Specialist and Head Curator, Strauss & Co.
Johannesburg Auction Week concludes on Wednesday, 8 November 2023 with the Day Sale of Modern and Contemporary Art – a timed-online sale of 82 lots. Highlights include a mixed-media collage by Blessing Ngobeni and important photos by David Goldblatt and Tracey Rose. The sale extends on the landscape theme of the preceding Evening Sale. There is a pencil drawing by Moses Tladi and paintings by, among others, Gregoire Boonzaier, Pranas Domsaitis, Judith Mason, Erich Mayer, Walter Meyer, Clive van den Berg, J.E.A. Volschenk and Pieter Wenning.
Current Press Releases
November
- 2 Nov 2023 Internationally acclaimed but irrefutably South African: Strauss & Co’s marquee summer auction features important works by Billie Zangewa and William Kentridge
- 3 Nov 2023 Strauss & Co Unveils Exclusive Online Sale of Chinese Decorative Arts Masterpieces
- 11 Nov 2023 William Kentridge’s Cat Steals the Show at Johannesburg Auction Week
- 15 Nov 2023 Strauss & Co Unveils Enchanting Online Watch and Jewellery Sales
- 23 Nov 2023 Strauss & Co’s penultimate online auction for 2023 features a focus on Line | Colour | Shape | Form
- 24 Nov 2023 CALLING FOR CONSIGNMENTS: Paintings by J.H. Pierneef and Cinga Samson headline second-instalment of Strauss & Co’s Africa-focused auction in February 2024
- 27 Nov 2023 Strauss & Co and The Nel Erasmus Art Legacy Trust Present Conflux: A Retrospective by South African Postwar Artist Nel Erasmus
October
- 2 Oct 2023 With a focus on Studies and Drawings, Strauss & Co’s October online auction appeals to established and first-time collectors
- 4 Oct 2023 Recently discovered Renoir painting headlines Strauss & Co’s dynamic programme for Toyota US Woordfees
- 9 Oct 2023 Toyota US Woordfees presents exciting Benefit auction featuring established and emerging artists
- 11 Oct 2023 Strauss & Co’s Johannesburg Auction Week celebrates a century of unbroken creativity and invention in African Art
- 19 Oct 2023 Showpiece Renoir leads Strauss & Co’s 111-lot sale of international modern and contemporary art
- 23 Oct 2023 Fresh-to-market paintings by Pierneef, Preller, Sekoto and Stern to be sold during Johannesburg Auction Week
- 27 Oct 2023 International buyers flock to Strauss & Co’s spotlight auction featuring Chagall, Miró and an undiscovered Renoir
- 31 Oct 2023 Moses Tladi and Gerard Sekoto, who opened museum doors for black artists, lead an impressive offering of black moderns at Johannesburg Auction Week
September
- 4 Sep 2023 Strauss & Co Presents a Captivating Auction: Modern and Contemporary Art with a focus on Renowned Artist Alice Goldin
- 7 Sep 2023 Works from important single-owner and contemporary art with museum pedigree lead Strauss & Co’s marquee spring sale
- 12 Sep 2023 Exquisite Selection of Bordeaux and Bordeaux-Style South African Wines to Go Under the Hammer at Strauss & Co
- 21 Sep 2023 Unseen Renoir from South African collection, recently authenticated in Paris, headlines Strauss & Co’s globe-spanning auction
- 21 Sep 2023 Scandinavian designers, French winemakers and a canonical South African painter charm buyers at Strauss & Co’s spring sales
August
- 8 Aug 2023 Strauss & Co’s August online sale covers half a century of South African ceramic art
- 18 Aug 2023 Rare collections of the World's leading wines to be sold as single bottles
- 28 Aug 2023 Highly important Zanzibar portrait by Irma Stern of praying man poised to go under the hammer at Strauss & Co
- 28 Aug 2023 Leading/Inspirational businesswomen, Khetiwe McClain and Jo-Ann Strauss, join Strauss & Co
July
- 3 Jul 2023 Strauss & Co’s upcoming timed online auction provides art collectors with a special focus on the Eastern Cape
- 14 Jul 2023 J. H. Pierneef: Close to Home traces a half-century of innovation and unbroken fascination with the South African landscape
- 14 Jul 2023 Jewels Online: LAUNCH EDITION - Classic emeralds to contemporary designs
- 18 Jul 2023 August Art Month at Welgemeend celebrates the geography, essence and history of the Western Cape
June
- 7 Jun 2023 Strauss & Co’s June Timed Online Auction Features Renowned Contemporary and Early 20th Century Artists
- 8 Jun 2023 Wines from Burgundy & Champagne
- 9 Jun 2023 Rare collections of the world’s leading wines to be sold, together with a uniquely minted NFT, by Strauss & Co.
- 21 Jun 2023 Strauss & Co honours sculptors past and present with a dedicated sale and exhibition
- 26 Jun 2023 Strauss & Co Celebrating Silver
May
- 3 May 2023 Strauss & Co confirms its rock-solid reputation with a catalogue of blue-chip works by South African modernists for its May auction
- 3 May 2023 Strauss & Co's May Timed Online Auction Celebrates Namibian Landscape Art
- 12 May 2023 Rare and Fine Wine from Italy and Spain going under the hammer
- 12 May 2023 From Azaria to Zerffi – an eclectic collection from an art connoisseur family
- 17 May 2023 Rare colour work by exiled south African artist Dumile Feni sells for new world record price at Strauss & Co sale in Johannesburg
April
- 5 Apr 2023 April Timed Online Auction with a focus on Portraits, Heads and Character Studies
- 6 Apr 2023 The 2023 Cassirer Welz Award Winner
- 20 Apr 2023 Important Black Modernist Artists Lead Strauss & Co May Auction In Johannesburg
March
- 2 Mar 2023 Strong results at Strauss & Co’s maiden auction of modern and contemporary art from Africa
- 6 Mar 2023 Strauss & Co’s upcoming March timed online auction celebrates colour and nuance
- 13 Mar 2023 Strauss & Co bring important works by Pierneef, Preller, Stern and Tretchikoff to market
- 23 Mar 2023 Strauss & Co’s strong catalogue of women artists tracks a history of innovation from Maggie Laubser and Irma Stern to Sethembile Msezane and Ruby Swinney
- 23 Mar 2023 Art Nouveau: The Birth of Modern Style with Guest Lecturer, Dr Gregorio Thaon di Revel Mazzonis di Pralafera
- 29 Mar 2023 Record price for Irma Stern at Strauss & Co sale affirms South Africa’s status as the best marketplace to trade artworks by premium South African modernists
February
- 2 Feb 2023 Important Announcements from Frank Kilbourn, Strauss & Co Executive Chairperson
- 6 Feb 2023 Strauss & Co kicks off 2023 with a revitalised programme of online auctions
- 14 Feb 2023 Celebrating Esias Bosch’s centenary
- 16 Feb 2023 Strauss & Co and SANAVA partner on charity auction to secure artists’ studios in Paris
- 16 Feb 2023 The 2023 Strauss & Co Fine Wine Rhône-themed auction is one of our finest line-ups yet, featuring iconic producers from France, South Africa and the New World.
- 23 Feb 2023 Chairperson’s Report
- 27 Feb 2023 Strauss & Co’s Curatorial Voices auction maps the story of art from Gerard Sekoto to Cinga Samson
- 27 Feb 2023 "Art is a human virtue and I have given my whole self to it, for it promotes understanding among races rather than destroys it."—Gerard Sekoto
December
November
- 1 Nov 2022 Irma Stern’s bold portrait of a modern woman presents an opportunity for collectors
- 2 Nov 2022 Strauss & Co presents the most prestigious fine wine collection ever to come to market in SA
- 11 Nov 2022 Strauss & Co’s final live sale of 2022 honours the legacy of art collector, Dr Matthys Johannes Strydom
- 11 Nov 2022 Broad interest in historical and contemporary art underpins Strauss & Co’s solid results
- 18 Nov 2022 Strauss & Co presents works owned by Matthys Strydom, art dealer and storyteller extraordinaire
- 24 Nov 2022 The pedigree of art dealer and collector Matthys Strydom’s collection sees collectors pay premium prices at Strauss & Co auction
- 24 Nov 2022 Strauss & Co’s upcoming November online-only auction offers art collectors a special focus on the Cape
- 25 Nov 2022 Twinkle-twinkle little star, how about some Christmas cheer from Strauss & Co?
- 30 Nov 2022 Norval Foundation Benefit Auction 2022
October
- 11 Oct 2022 Strauss & Co heralds summer with a curated programme of Johannesburg sales
- 13 Oct 2022 Strauss & Co to present the first-ever sale exclusively devoted to Robert Hodgins
- 27 Oct 2022 International report identifies Strauss & Co as dominant reseller of works by William Kentridge
- 27 Oct 2022 Strauss & Co’s sculpture-only sale explores the story of SA sculpture, from past to present