Sleeping Boy (JM 704)

This auction explores the rich and varied ways artists represent the human form. Going beyond traditional depictions, the works delve into complex themes of identity and society, psychological states and emotion, issues of politics and power, and spirituality. The selection also repeatedly explores classic subjects such as the nude, mother and child, portraits, women and children. Through paintings, photographs, and sculptures, 'Embodied’ showcases figures in moments of quiet contemplation, passionate connection, daily labour, and rest. These artistic depictions offer a profound connection to our shared human experience, reflecting the very essence of how we live and feel in the world.

Featuring a diverse selection of familiar South African artists, including Irma Stern, Freida Lock, Maud Sumner, Alexis Preller, Robert Hodgins, Nelson Makamo and Durant Sihlali. The works on display, from Zen Marie to Joni Brenner, demonstrate how bodies inhabit time and space, serving as a powerful means for artists to explore identity, emotion, and existence.

The auction is led by two notable works from Peter Clarke. His 1956 piece, Seated Male Figure, is a subtle, monochromatic study in introspection. In contrast, Friday Night captures the intimacy between couples with a palpable sense of warmth and sensitivity.

A highlight in the sale is the lesser-known artist Hindy Rutenberg. Her pieces, Seated Girl and The Carpet Menders, are particularly intriguing. Rutenberg was an expressionist artist who received limited recognition during her lifetime, and these paintings offer a fascinating reanimation of a forgotten history. Her expressive, careful style shares qualities with artists like Irma Stern, whose celebrated portraits also show a delicate, painterly sensibility.