Established in 2009, Strauss & Co is the leading art auction house in Africa, specialising in modern and contemporary art, collectable design, fine wine and jewellery. With a focus on African and international art, Strauss & Co caters to art enthusiasts globally with its curated mix of marquee live auctions, single-artist sales, spotlight presentations and popular monthly online sales. A pioneer of borderless digital sales, Strauss & Co has a large global client list interested in artists, designers and wine producers from Africa and beyond. Private treaty services are also available.
Strauss & Co is the leading reseller of work by blue-chip artists William Kentridge, J.H. Pierneef and Irma Stern. It has achieved the highest number of records for South African artists at auction. Notable records include the R31.9m / US$ 1.78m sale of Vladimir Tretchikoff’s 1955 portrait Lady from the Orient in 2025. Expanding from its original format of four live sales annually in 2009, which earned R100m, Strauss & Co has consistently grown its revenues, earning R388m / $21.6m from 65 auctions in 2024.
The company actively champions artists and makers from Africa in global centres across Africa and Europe through dynamic engagements with partners in cities such as Berlin, London, Nairobi and Venice. In South Africa, Strauss & Co supports various education and community engagement programmes, including a year-round exhibition programme in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Art Club is a further expression of its belief in a sustainable ecosystem and provides collectors with opportunity to learn and socialise at events in Cape Town, Johannesburg, London and Stellenbosch.
Auctioneers
Office Locations
Valuations
We provide valuations online, through our Strauss & Co App, or in person at our offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, by appointment. We regularly host a variety of valuation days throughout South Africa and further afield.
Valuations are provided for auction estimates, estate distribution, insurance or probate.
Client Advisory
Our client advisory team is available to assist you with answering any questions you might have and providing technical support during the registration, bidding, and checking out processes.
Catalogue Library
Our well-researched and richly illustrated live sale catalogues are acknowledged for the integrity of the information and the quality of the images they contain – and as records of the items that have passed through the secondary market.
Charity Auctions
We have a strong sense of social responsibility and, from time to time, we donate our in-house expertise to selected charity auctions for organisations that share our core values. Browse our charity auctions.
Post-Sale Services
We offer insurance, domestic delivery and international shipping through our preferred providers to bring you the best service.
Education
As a responsible and active corporate citizen, Strauss & Co takes its role in improving and sustaining the art ecosystem seriously. Introducing more people to art, educating the public about art, promoting art, and supporting artists, underpin the Strauss Education programme, which includes lectures, master classes, exhibitions, art walkabouts, private viewings, school tours, corporate lectures, special events and partnerships.
Sponsorship and Partnerships
Partnerships with established art fairs and institutions and highly impactful sponsorships are part of our commitment to growing and sustaining the art ecosystem.
Discover more
Buy on Auction with Strauss & Co
Strauss & Co annually holds five live virtual auctions and up to nine online-only auctions.
Categories handled include: art, decorative arts, furniture, jewellery and fine wine.
