Notes

This large-scale work, featuring the dramatic mountainous scenery of the Free State near Clarens, was painted by J H Pierneef in 1940. The artist’s fascination with the construction of the natural world is evident in this ascending composition of rocky platforms, ridges and peaks, skillfully executed in subtle gradations of tone, enabling Pierneef to describe and convey the depth and vastness of this natural tableau. These rising topographical structures, rounded in the lower portion, and giving way to more angular and dramatic landforms, are in turn transposed against a monumental, clouded skyline, towering majestically above. The foreground palette of red and yellow ochre gives way to a tonal recession of pink, lavender and blue tones, increasing the illusion of aerial perspective.

Provenance

Acquired from the artist circa 1940-41, and thence by descent.