Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art

Online-Only Auction, 14 - 25 April 2022

South African Art at the Venice Biennale
About the Session

This Venice Biennale-themed session in Strauss & Co's April online-only auction is timed to coincide with the launch of the 59th edition of the Venice Biennale in late April, and Strauss & Co’s sponsorship of the African Art in Venice Forum 2022 at Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal on 20 and 21 April. This session divulges the history of the Venice Biennale and South African art, as the art world converges on Venice. South Africa first became part of the Venice Biennale more than seventy years ago. The cordial relationship between Italy and South Africa over this period has nurtured international support for artists and art organisations in this country and continues to develop today.


  • Walter Battiss; Abstract with Ndebele Motifs
  • Walter Battiss; Abstract with Ndebele Motifs
  • Walter Battiss; Abstract with Ndebele Motifs
  • Walter Battiss; Abstract with Ndebele Motifs
  • Walter Battiss; Abstract with Ndebele Motifs


Lot Estimate
ZAR 200 000 - 300 000

About this Item

South African 1906-1982
Abstract with Ndebele Motifs

signed; inscribed with the artist's name on the reverse

oil on canvas
45,5 by 55,5cm excluding frame; 48 by 58 by 3,5cm including frame

Notes

Walter Battiss exhibited at the Venice Biennale, South African Pavilion in 1950, 1952, 1954, 1958, and 1964.

Provenance

Sotheby's, Johannesburg, 8 June 1982, lot 178, with the title African Village.

Strauss & Co, Johannesburg, 11 November 2019, lot 11.

View all Walter Battiss lots for sale in this auction