Notes

In 1913, Maggie Laubser met the man who would have a lasting impact on her life and career. Jan Hendrik Balwe was an ex-Dutch consul and wealthy shipping broker and, despite their 28-year age gap, the two would become great friends. He was so taken with the young artist that he agreed to finance her studies and travels abroad. These experiences would put her in contact with artists and mentors who would shape her stylistically. In October 1913, she moved to Europe, first to Holland, where she stayed at an artists’ colony, and then on to London at the outbreak of World War I, where she attended the Slade School of Art from 1914 to 1919. After her studies, she and Balwe’s son Arnold (her friend and fellow artist) traveled to Antwerp and, in October 1920, they arrived on the shores of Lake Garda.

During this time, the two artists were financially supported by the elder Balwe, which allowed them to explore and experiment. Laubser’s work from this period is expressive and carefree, with bold, simple colour combinations. This is evident in the present lot, Lake Garda, where she has used a solid, flat colour application for the sails and scenery and shades of blue to hint at ripples in the lake. She has also playfully dangled a tree branch at the top of the painting; allowing the viewers to feel as if they are standing in the shade of a tree on the banks of the lake.

Provenance

The Professor Leon Strydom Collection.