Provenance

Bonhams, London, The South African Sale Part 2, 18 February 2009, lot 62.

Private Collection.

Sotheby's, London, Modern and Contemporary African Art, 21 March 2024, lot 79.

Private Collection.

Notes

"Geometry had become a new visual language in which the artist could express himself. At that time the purpose of art was seen as being not only to describe a piece of scenery but, like painting the face of a person, also to explain it. Knowledge of structure resulted in attempts to form a deeper understanding of the world rather than its appearance alone … What is a tree? Is it a colourful play of sparks of light between moving roofs of leaves or is it an organic form of life given expression in the balance of its branches and trunk? Throughout his life Pierneef collected information and systematically extended his knowledge of the essence and structure of the earth’s crust and its vegetation. This knowledge is reflected in much of his work. He used to say: ‘If you paint a tree, you must know its roots; if you paint rocks and stones you must know their geological formation’."

PG Nel