Archived: Millions for minors, miners and minions on Strauss Summer Auction

One of Irma Sterns most compelling portraits ever to come to the market will be offered at Strauss & Cos upcoming auction to be held on 4 February at the Vineyard Hotel in Newlands. Malay Girl, painted in 1938 and estimated to fetch between R10 000 000 15 000 000, provides extraordinary insights into the curious life of a child. The girl looks directly at the viewer, engaging us in a way that is neither challenging nor retiring. She meets the viewers gaze on equal terms. Rather than infantilising the child, the artist has provided a portrait of a thoughtful individual.