Notes

Walter Battiss, a restless artistic spirit, embarked on transformative journeys, with his voyages to Greece and Crete holding particular significance to the present lot. These discoveries, far from being mere sightseeing trips, were profound encounters with diverse cultures and landscapes that irrevocably shifted his artistic sensibility. The vibrant hues and earthy tones of these regions infused his palette with a new vitality, while the rich tapestry of ancient mythologies profoundly influenced his iconography. It was through these immersive experiences that Battiss laid the essential groundwork for his groundbreaking 'Fook' concept, a radical departure that would define his later career and cement his legacy as one of South Africa's most innovative artists.

The present lot, painted during this pivotal period, serves as a testament to these formative travels, particularly to Greece and Crete, and showcases the rich tapestry of his evolving artistic language. In the foreground, two felines anchor the composition: one is subtly outlined, while the other is larger and boldly rendered with white stripes on its head, reflecting Battiss's characteristic playful simplification of form. Two tables, adjacent to each other in the fore to mid-ground, create a domestic or intimate setting. The left table holds a captivating still life of a spotted white bird and three pieces of fruit in warm amber hues, while the central table presents a solitary ceramic vessel.

The mid-ground introduces a captivating human element. To the left, a lady is seated on a vibrant red and yellow chair, gracefully holding a glass, with a small harp resting against her seat, hinting at leisure or contemplation. Towards the right, along the same visual plane, two women lean against the central table. One is elegantly attired in a yellow dress, while the other features striking orange hair, both rendered with Battiss's distinctive gestural brushwork. Intriguingly, next to the lady in yellow, the word 'Phemius' is inscribed within a box, potentially alluding to the mythological Greek bard, thus weaving classical narrative into this contemporary scene. The background dissolves into a striking array of blues, turquoises, and greens, depicting a Grecian building with non-descript columns. This architectural element, coupled with the overall palette and thematic allusions, powerfully evokes the very landscapes and ancient cultures Battiss encountered on his travels, demonstrating how these experiences were profoundly assimilated into his unique and visionary artistic expression. The entire composition vibrates with a sense of flattened perspective and vibrant energy, a clear precursor to the uninhibited freedom of his later 'Fook' island.