Press Release: Repatriated Art: Two Gems Returned to SA

South Africa Wed 04-03-2009

Press Release: Repatriated Art: Two Gems Returned to SA
Courtesy of sothebys.co.za

STILL LIFE WITH MANDOLIN,THE RED AND MAUVE MUSIC SCORE AND FRUIT

February 12, 2009 - Stephan Welz & Co, in association with Sotheby's, issued this press release as part of the advance information made available about their 24 & 25 February 2009 Summer Sale in Kirstenbosch, Cape Town

Stephan Welz and Company in Association with Sotheby’s will hold their 2009 Summer Sale of Decorative and Fine Arts at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens on 24 and 25 February 2009. The sale, which includes over 600 lots, will be on view to the public from 20 to 22 February 2009.

Ian Hunter of Stephan Welz & Company says: “Every auction has a distinct identity; the February 2009 sale is no exception in that it showcases a rich variety of traditional and contemporary South African Art.”

The items scheduled to go under the hammer include an important early still life by Erik Laubscher. “Still Life with Mandolin, Music Score and Fruit” (estimate R200 000 – R300 000) is a fine example of the artist’s work produced on his return to South Africa in a strong Parisian language. While in Paris, Laubscher studied under Fernand Léger and it was this influence, as well as that of John Minton, Alfred Krenz and Maurice van Essche, that we see in this painting.

While the formal style may be post-Cubist, the monumentality of the work and the boldness of colour indicate the principles learned under Léger - contrast, dissonance, interaction and the juxtaposition of complementary colours. While the style and compositional elements may attest to Parisian trends, the sensuous and robust application of paint may be attributed to the influences of his first mentor, van Essche. This painting was a gift from the artist to the current owner and has remained until now in a private European collection.

This painting is one of many that have returned to South African shores and subsequently offered at auction through Stephan Welz and Company. The first major repatriated work to form an auction highlight was Irma Stern’s “Woman With a Hibiscus” which sold for R3 960 000 in October 2007.

This was followed in February 2008 with a collection previously domiciled in Texas, the highlight of which was Eleanor Esmonde-White’s “Mother and Son” which sold for R495 000, then a new record for the artist at auction. In May 2008 a collection of Gerard Sekoto’s, acquired by a Parisian Bistro owner was offered.

The securing of Laubscher’s mid century masterpiece is a triumph and keeps good company with a striking repatriated Douglas Portway. This vibrant piece will be available to collectors with an interest in abstract representation. “The Red and Mauve” (estimate R200 000 – R300 000) by Portway was originally acquired from the Marjorie Parr Gallery in London. Portway is held in the same regard as many of the great British Modernists such as Ivor Hitchens, Ben Nicholson, Victor Pasmore and John Piper.

Hunter continues: “Abstract art has shifted emphasis globally and sales dedicated to this non figural and representational language have strengthened with the philosophical re-interpretation our times have brought to the past.”

Auction:
Tuesday 24 February 2pm and 7pm
Wednesday 25 February 10am
Venue: Old Mutual Conference and Exhibition Centre
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Newlands, Cape Town

Viewing:
Friday     20 February 10am to 5pm
Saturday 21 February   9am to 2pm
Sunday   22 February 10am to 5pm
www.swelco.co.za

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