Auction to put artist’s brush with modernism in frame
A RARELY SEEN Pierneef that showcased the painter’s brief brush with modernism will be going on auction on Monday evening.
The JH Pierneef work had been in a private collection since it was painted in 1928, and its unusual style is likely to be of interest to art scholars.
The painting, Twin Peaks Beyond, Stellenbosch, will be part of Strauss & Co’s June auction at the Wanderers Club in Joburg. The work is expected to fetch between R6 million and R8m.
Strauss & Co’s art specialist, Alastair Meredith, said Pierneef painted the work shortly after returning from Europe and was influenced by his travels. “There is a modernist spirit in the way the mountain is painted but the rest of the picture is a bit more naturalistic,” Meredith said.
But Pierneef ’s experimentation was short-lived after it received mixed reviews, and some buyers were unimpressed.
He returned to his more familiar style. He was particularly well- known for his umbrella-shaped trees and dramatic South African landscapes.
“This is so striking and unusual, and it is significant in his career,” said Meredith.
The painting is also seen as the start of his celebrated discovery and mastery period. “With this painting, there is the opportunity to explore the influence the European exposure had on his work, and this would be a major touchstone,” said Meredith.
In recent years, Pierneef paintings have become sought-after, particularly on the local market, with some of his works going for millions of rand.
There will be other Pierneefs on auctions, including several that are estimated to fetch R500 000 to R700 000. Also under the hammer is a Cecil Skotnes 4m-long carved kist with an accompanying tapestry.
This was commissioned for the President Hotel in Joburg. It is expected to fetch R200 000 to R300 000, and the kist R500 000 to R700 000. Also on auction, an Irma Stern portrait, Malay Woman, is expected to fetch R3m to R4m.