Various Authors
19th and 20th Century Art, twelve
Session 1
About the SessionEsme Berman was a pioneering South African art historian, writer and gallerist. At a time when South African art lacked formal documentation she was one of the first writers to systematically document South African art history in her book Art & Artists of South Africa. By travelling the country to visit artists and collect first-hand interviews on their work and practice, Berman created this foundational reference book.
The first edition was published in 1970, and it quickly became the go-to reference for students, collectors, curators and institutions. Later in 1993, she released a second edition which was expanded, including more artists and information. There are 7 copies of these books available on the auction.
At times reference books can be overlooked, but they are instrumental in shaping how we come to understand art and artists over time. And for collectors, they give context for the artist, and deepen the connection and understanding when it comes to buying.
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About this Item
(2) Esmé Berman (1993) Painting in South Africa, Johannesburg: Southern Book Publishers, hard cover with dust jacket and acetate cover, illustrated in black and white and colour
(3) Grania Ogilvie, assisted by Carol Graff (1988) The Dictionary of South African Painters and Sculptors, Johannesburg: Everard Read, hard cover with dust jacket, illustrated in colour
(4) Harold Jeppe (1963) South African Artists, 1900 - 1962, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-boekhandel, hard cover with dust jacket, illustrated in black and white and colour. Accompanied by type-written list or 'Index to South African Artists 1900 - 1962' by Harold Jeppe, Johannesburg Public Library and newspaper clipping and exhibition invitation to Esias Bosch exhibition
(5) A Gordon-Brown (1952) Pictorial Art in South African During Three Centuries to 1875, London: Chas J Sawyer, hard cover, illustrated in black and white
(6) Sotheby's, Important South African Paintings, Drawings, Sculpture and Prints, From the collection of Esmé Berman (1986) catalogue
(7) South African National Gallery (1988) Paris and South African Artists, 1850 - 1965, exhibition catalogue, Cape Town: South African National Gallery, soft cover, illustrated in black and white and colour
(8) Hans Fransen (1981) Drie eeue Kuns in Suid-Afrika, Beeldende Kuns, Scottsville: Anreith Uitgewers, soft cover, illustrated in black and white and colour, text in Afrikaans
(9) Esmé Berman (1975) The Story of South African Painting, Cape Town: A A Balkema, hard cover with dust jacket covered in plastic, illustrated in black and white and colour
(10) Esmé Berman (1983) Art & Artists of South Africa, Johannesburg: Southern Book Publishers, hard cover with dust jacket covered in acetate, illustrated in black and white and colour
(11) Leoni Schmidt (1976) Aspects of South African Art Criticism, Master of Arts in Fine Arts, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, hard cover
(12) Frieda Harmsen (1985) Looking at South African Art, A Guide to the Study and Appreciation of Art, Pretoria: J L van Schaik, hard cover with dust jacket, illustrated in black and white and colour
Notes
(1) Signed and dated 1966 by Esmé Berman.
(4) Signed and dated 1964 by Esmé Berman.
(5) Signed and dated 1966 by Esmé Berman.
(7) Inscribed with a personal note to Esmé Berman on cover page.
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