Local and international art for astute collectors
● Stephan Welz & Co boasts 50 years in the fine and decorative art auction business this year. From humble beginnings as Sotheby’s South Africa and through the isolation years as Stephan Welz & Co in association with Sotheby’s, to Stephan Welz & Co from 2010, the foundation that the company has been built upon is one of appreciation and admiration of decorative and fine arts.
More than R3-billion has been sold at more than 600 auctions. The value today is about R10-billion as the market in art and collectibles has grown exponentially.
Division head and auctioneer Anton Welz describes how the credible reputation of Stephan Welz & Co is a direct result of the passion and focus of the team, who over the last 50 years have built this entity into one of the largest auction houses in South Africa.
“The Cape Town auction [from tomorrow] provides the opportunity for collectors to acquire items of exemplary quality,” Welz explains. “Once again we have put together a diverse collection of collectibles.”
Artworks showcased include two particularly esteemed South African artists, Norman Catherine and Peter Clarke.
“Catherine cleverly uses bright primary colours in stark contrast to each other, which gives his work a sense of popping out regardless of the environment in which they are placed. His works are fun while still remaining relevant to the human condition,” says Kayleen Wrigley, senior art specialist at Stephan Welz & Co.
Among the Peter Clarkes to come under the hammer are two particularly exquisite paintings, which depict scenes at Tesselaarsdal.
“Tesselaarsdal was a place of creative refuge from the political world and day to day struggles of the city,” observes art specialist Suzanne Duncan.
Works by superb international artists such as Picasso, Miró, Chagall and Bertram Nicholls are also on offer.
The Craig Troeberg Collection is on offer, which includes a George III writing desk.
Troeberg was a remarkable man dedicated to his work at the Order of Saint John with an appreciation of art, antiques and travel.
Mid-century modern furniture comes into its own at this sale with pieces such as the Little Beaver chair by Frank Gehry and the How High The Moon Chair, which is a combination of Japanese mastery and Western functionality.
The large Esias Bosch-painted ceramic panel of Namaqualand is a piece that is rare to find at an auction and a good example of Bosch’s pioneering techniques.
Other notable items on offer include a Victorian silver novelty claret jug in the shape of a griffin by George Fox of London and a pair of Nanking cargo plates.
The auction, which is on tomorrow and Tuesday, promises to entice and enthuse collectors.
For more information on how to bid and to receive a catalogue, call 021 794 6461 or e-mail stephanwelz@stephanwelzandco.co.za.