This November Strauss & Co presents the Harry Lits Collection of Works by the Amadlozi Group, providing a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a part of this groundbreaking art collective.

Tiger Lilies was painted in 1932, shortly after Irma Stern’s return to Cape Town following successful exhibitions in Europe. Marking a significant break with European influence, and Stern’s determination to establish her own artistic identity and distinctive South African style, the painting is seminal in her oeuvre.

The first major contemporary art auction on the African continent is set to take place in Cape Town when Strauss & Co presents its inaugural Contemporary Art auction on 26 February 2015 in conjunction with The Cape Town Art Fair 2015.

A selection of no less than 14 works by JH Pierneef, the master of the South African landscape, will be offered for sale at Strauss & Co’s 10 November auction in Johannesburg. These range from major oils to works on paper spanning over 30 years of his illustrious career.

It is tradition world-wide that auction houses do not actively participate in art fairs. With the special circumstances surrounding the Cape Town Art Fair planned for February 2015, it was initially felt that the active participation of an auction house by way of conducting an auction at the time of the fair would enhance the fair besides presenting an active second-tier market for contemporary South African art.

Strauss & Co is proud to announce the sale of the illustrious Harry Lits Collection of Works by the Amadlozi Group – a highlight of the 10 November auction of Important South African and International Art to be held at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg.

The Strauss & Co summer auction conducted in Johannesburg last night totalled R60 million, making this the most successful sale of South African art for many years.

Some of the very best in South African and international modern and contemporary art is on offer at Strauss & Co’s upcoming auction scheduled for 16 March 2014 at the Vineyard Hotel, Newlands in Cape Town, including key contemporary works by globally recognised artists such as Berlinde De Bruyckere, Nam June Paik, Huang Gang, William Kentridge and Penny Siopis.

It is impossible to predict what will happen in the future, but the last six years have been remarkable in the history of the South African art market and Strauss & Co has undoubtedly played a significant role.

A historic diamond brooch, belonging to Colonel Sir David Harris, pioneer of the South African diamond industry, director of de Beers, Barney Barnato’s first cousin and close friend of Cecil John Rhodes, will go under the hammer in Cape Town on Monday 16 March at Strauss & Co’s auction. Originally a gift from Colonel Sir David Harris to his wife, Rosa Gabriel of Pomerania (Prussia), whom he married in 1873, it is estimated to fetch R400 000 – 450 000.