Notes

Constantine Cavafy (1863-1933) was a Greek poet, journalist and civil servant. His consciously individual style earned him a place among the most important figures not only in Greek poetry, but in Western literature too. His poems were typically concise but intimate evocations of real or literary figures from Greek culture, while his thematic focus was more often than not concerned with the future, sensual pleasures, the moral character and psychology of individuals, homosexuality, and nostalgia. Battiss was certainly moved by Cavafy's poetry, and the homage he paid the Greek in the current lot, defined by a fragmentary composition, stolen glimpses, naked flesh and vignettes of cool pattern, might hint at the artist's personal interpretation of Cavafy's ouevre.

Provenance

The Collection of the Late Mr Chris (Tos) Du Toit.

Exhibited

Standard Bank Gallery, Johannesburg, Walter Battiss: General Anarchist, 20 October - 3 December 2005

Literature

Karin Skawran. (ed.) (2005) Walter Battiss: The Gentle Anarchist, Johannesburg: The Standard Bank Gallery. Illustrated in colour on page 45.

Karin Skawran. (1989) Battiss and the Spirit of Place, Pretoria: University of South Africa. Illustrated in black and white on page 62.