Archived

JH Pierneefs spanning 30 years on sale at Strauss & Co

23 Oct 2014

Foremost amongst these, and as an addendum to the catalogue, is a major large scale work by the artist titled An Extensive View of Farmlands which was painted in 1926, within the first few weeks of his return from an extensive 6-month trip to Europe.

Esmé Berman, expert writer-lecturer on 20th century South African Art and Modern Art History, notes: ‘By the time of his return from Europe, Pierneef had tossed aside his sober, realistic style and a fresh Impressionist light infuses all his paintings of the East Coast. Though he returned intermittently to use of divisionist techniques, never again were his canvases so aerially exuberant, so sparkling.’

An Extensive View of Farmlands certainly falls into this latter category. It reflects Pierneef’s joy, enthusiasm and understanding of what he had been exposed to in Europe – the light and pure colours of the Impressionist and Post Impressionist painters and in the trees in the foreground, a touch of Art Nouveau. This important landscape was painted with great passion and mastery, and the unusually large size would suggest the artist intended it to be a milestone in his career.

Esmé Berman divides Pierneef’s career into three major periods: apprenticeship, 1902–1924; discovery and mastery, 1925–1936; consolidation and repetition, 1937–1957. She believes all critics agree that his middle years were the period of his most valuable contribution to South African art. Painted early in this celebrated period, this important work encapsulates Pierneef’s distinct style and mastery of the South African landscape, reaffirming his position as one of South Africa’s most sought after painters.

Strauss & Co’s Stephan Welz comments: “It is a great honour for Strauss & Co to be handling a work of this calibre. This sale features particularly good works by Pierneef which should attract keen interest. Another major work featured in this auction is Landscape with River which was executed in 1938 and is expected to fetch R 1200 000 – 1 600 000.” (www.straussart.co.za)

Press enquiries
Bina Genovese
bina@straussart.co.za / 083 680 9944

Important South African and International Art, including the Harry Lits Collection of works by the Amadlozi Group Johannesburg, Monday 10 November 2014 4 pm: Day Sale 8 pm: The Harry Lits Collection of Works by the Amadlozi Group followed immediately by Important South African and International Art Venue: The Wanderers Club Ballroom, 21 North Street, Illovo Preview: Friday 7 November to Sunday 9 November from 10 am to 5 pm Walkabout Sunday 9 November at 11 am Enquiries and catalogues Office: +27 (0) 11 728 8246 Fax: +27 (0) 11 728 8247 www.straussart.co.za