Notes

This is the preliminary sketch for "Il Pescatore", which appeared at the Genoa Biennale in 1951.

This sketch was done during 1951 in Volksrust shortly after Eugene Labuschagne returned from his studies in Paris.   The resultant oil painting was highly regarded by the organizers of the Biennale and they decided that it was the only entry that they would accept from South Africa.

The catalogue speaks for itself.   It was one of a few paintings illustrated alongside great European masters such as Fernand Leger, Pignon, Marchard, etc.   The Italian press said very complimentary things about Eugene Labuschagne.   Glowing reports also appeared in the South African Press, see Sunday Express, April 20, 1952, and especially Die Transvaler, Thursday, 5 November, 1953.   This article has a photograph of Walter Battiss holding up the painting with the comment that Eugene Labuschagne's painting represents the new direction in art.