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At Strauss & Co’s auction of Important South African and International Art on Monday 1 June, artworks to the value of over R40 million are set to go under the hammer. Amongst the highlights is an arresting portrait by renowned Dutch artist, Kees Van Dongen, of his beloved daughter Dolly.

Important South African and International Art, Johannesburg, 1 June 2015, Lot 175 Athi-Patra Ruga is as comfortable and thought-provoking expressing his ideas on sexuality, gender, consumerism, race and politics as he is in working through numerous mediums, whether video, photography, performance , interventions or textiles.

A painting by the celebrated Dutch artist Kees van Dongen of his much loved daughter Dolly which was painted in 1909, was the most expensive painting sold by Strauss & Co at their auction in Johannesburg last night. The painting realised R5 684 000 which well exceeded the pre-sale estimate.

A rare sculpture by the South African born artist Ernest Mancoba who left South Africa in 1938 for Paris where he met and married the famous Dutch artist Sonja Verlov, last night astounded the South African art buying public when it sold for R613 872.

A painting by the celebrated larger than life artist and chef, Braam Kruger, popularly known as "kitchen boy" depicting himself and his erstwhile girlfriend the actress Grethe Fox as Justice, as well as Adam and Eve after The Fall in the nude, last night was sold by Strauss & Co in Johannesburg for R204 624, setting a new record for the artist. Kruger, who died in 2008, for many years presented a popular cooking program on television.

The rising interest in Stanley Pinker’s art is sure to attract buyers and viewers alike to Strauss & Co’s upcoming auction scheduled for 13 October 2014 at the Vineyard Hotel, Newlands in Cape Town when the artist’s OH AHA (R1,000,000 – 1,500,000) comes under the hammer.

This November Strauss & Co presents the Harry Lits Collection of Works by the Amadlozi Group, providing a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a part of this groundbreaking art collective.

Tiger Lilies was painted in 1932, shortly after Irma Stern’s return to Cape Town following successful exhibitions in Europe. Marking a significant break with European influence, and Stern’s determination to establish her own artistic identity and distinctive South African style, the painting is seminal in her oeuvre.