Don’t miss out on Van Wouw

Considered the father of South African sculpture, Anton van Wouw created an extraordinary and era-defining body of work, ranging from monumental to small-scale bronzes. His smaller works achieved sculptural expression at a level that his monumental works rarely did.

Van Wouw had a deep respect for the Boer nation during his stay in the wilderness. This admiration had a significant impact on his artistic growth as he related to their trials and tribulations.

Although much of his work is figurative, it successfully captures the untamed and vulnerable essence of his subjects.

Figures were represented according to how the mining barons wanted them to be perceived, in line with colonial ideology that claimed the “uncivilized man” could be recognized by his uncouth clothing and eating habits.

It is believed that the sitter for Bust of a Zulu (1907) was also the model for “Sidwane” Tokozile, pictured, also referred to as the Coffee Drinker).

A Zulu man with pronounced cheekbones and an angular beard is depicted in both sculptures. While the Bust of a Zulu emanates confidence, Sidwane Tokozile’s slumped position conveys humble resignation as he clasps both hands around a mug. The work is expected to fetch R200 000-R300 000.

Wearing a head cloth and a tattered shirt that is torn on the left “the utter poverty and humble thankfulness for the cup of coffee is well represented” (Duffey 2008: 74). – Citizen reporter

About the auction: Stephan Welz & Co Johannesburg Premium Auction will be held from next week Monday to Thursday.

The artworks are currently on view.

Where: Pop in the the auctioneers’ showroom in Johannesburg at 205A Jan Smuts Avenue, Parktown North.