Notes

On 12 January 1926, the Pierneefs sailed on a freighter, SS Toba, via Port Said down the east coast. They were the only two passengers on board and, since the ship had to spend from between two and six days at every port, Pierneef was often able to go out and paint the countryside to his heart’s content.
- PG Nel

As the SS Toba remained docked in Dar es Salaam in the third week of February 1926, Pierneef was able to sketch several atmospheric views of the old town, whether from the steamer’s deck or on shore. The present lot suggests the artist pulled out his sketchbook in bright sunshine to record a gently exotic architectural scene. Always drawn to vernacular building styles, Pierneef centred his composition on a handsome triple-floor façade bathed in light, and used swipes of blue and indigo to mark out the shaded verandas, doorways and eaves in view.