We are thrilled to announce that three Irma Stern works on canvas will be on offer in our upcoming auction. Such a trio of works on offer by one of South Africa’s leading masters has not appeared since the company’s 2008 October sale.

The three oils, made up of a portrait, a still life and a harbour view reflect various stages of Stern’s career and represent her choice in subject matter aptly. The works include ‘Fishing boats, Funchal, Madeira’ (estimate R 3 500 000 – 5 000 000), ‘ Mother and Child’ (estimate R 4 000 000 – 6 000 000) and ‘Still Life of Fish and Flowers’ (estimate R 2 200 000 – 2 600 000).

Two vibrantly painted Walter Battiss oil on canvas works, ‘Jungle Pool ‘ (estimate R 300 000 – 350 000) and ‘Figures in a Township’ (estimate  R 300 000 – 400 000)  would appeal to a Battiss collector. The works are bold examples of the artist’s unique style, bearing the hieratical shapes and rock art motifs so prominent in his painting style.

One of three Jacob Pierneef oils, entitled ‘Approaching Clouds in an Extensive Landscape’ (estimate  R650 000 – 750 000), will also be offered in Cape Town in October.  This work bears the artist’s familiar stylistic approach to the African veld. The soft hues of the approaching clouds resonate with the depth and perspective of the components, proving it to be a fine example of the artist’s tranquil landscape scenes.

Hugo Naude’s Cape scenes such as ‘Old Cape Town, Malay Quarter’ and ‘View of Chiappini Street’ (estimate R 200 000 – 250 000 each) are two highly sought after works that rarely appear at auctions. Stephan Welz and Company will also be offering a vibrant ‘Namaqualand’ scene by this artist which typically radiates Naude’s rich palette (estimate R 250 000 – 300 000).

An iconic work by Alexis Preller, entitled ‘Figure Astride a Horse’ (estimate R 220 000 – 260 000) is loaded with symbolism, colour and mystique – another prime example of Preller’s oeuvre. An early work by Maggie Laubser, ‘Seated Figure’ (estimate R 250 000 – 300 000) is a fine example of the early period in the artist’s career and was painted during her stay in Berlin in 1922.

Two works by Peter Clarke, both acrylic on board and contrasting in subject matter, are ‘The Netball Players’ (estimate R 100 000 – 120 000) and ‘Ruined Houses at Simon’s Town’ (estimate R180 000 – R200 000). Other featured artists include William Kentridge, ‘Two Heads’ (estimate R300 000 – 400 000), Maurice van Essche ‘Sitting Coloured Girl’ (R220 000 – R260 000) and Vladimir Tretchikoff with two portraits, ‘Woman with Dahlias’ and ‘Woman with Crayfish’ (estimate R300 000 – 400 000 each). 

For the first time in South Africa a work by the celebrated British contemporary artist, Rachel Whiteread, will be auctioned entitled ‘Switch’ (estimate R 50 000 – 60 000).  Alongside this will be an Anton van Wouw bronze Nisini casting entitled ‘The Skapu-player’ (estimate R 700 000 – 900 000). 

The auction is set to take place at our saleroom in The Great Cellar, Alphen Estate, Alphen Drive, Constantia. Pre-auction viewing is open to the public daily from 28^th – 30^th September. Catalogues are available from both the Cape Town and Johannesburg offices as well as on our website (e-catalogue) www.stephanwelzandco.co.za.   For more information, contact 021-794-6461 or e-mail ct@stephanwelzandco.co.za.