Strauss & Co posted a record turnover of R215 million in 2016, the highest combined income achieved by the company in a single year since its inception in 2009. While the narrative around individual sales matter, it was Strauss & Co’s capacity to achieve a sell-through rate of over 80% at its four live auctions in Johannesburg and Cape Town that contributed to its resounding performance.

Painting remains the benchmark medium for South African art collectors, with quality works by Irma Stern, J.H. Pierneef, Alexis Preller, Walter Battiss and Robert Hodgins commanding reliably firm prices at Strauss & Co live auctions.

Important South African and International Art, Decorative Arts and Jewellery, 6 March 2017

The big three – Irma Stern, Maggie Laubser and J.H. Pierneef – were central pillars of Strauss & Co’s monumental late-summer auction in Cape Town, which generated a record turnover of R70.6 million. The superb result, achieved on a solid 84% sell-through rate, surpassed the previous single-auction high of R66.8 million – set in Johannesburg in 2010 – by R3.8 million.

Strauss & Co’s forthcoming Johannesburg live sale, features a selection of important works by leading South African artists, including standout lots by stalwarts of the auction market, JH Pierneef, Alexis Preller and Irma Stern. The auction, which will be held at the Wanderer’s Club on 5 June, also includes a number of iconic works made in the 1990s.