Strauss & Co offers rare early Walter Battiss painting
STRAUSS & CO is offering a rare early Battiss painting at its auction, which showcases prominent South African and international art in Johannesburg, on May 25, 2020.
Walter Battiss was closely associated with Pretoria Boys High School, where he taught art from 1933 until 1964. The painting “Athletics, Pretoria Boys High” displays a spectacular view of the school’s sports field with an athletics meeting in progress.
The foreground depicts the sweeping curve of its running track with the various school and house banners prominently displayed on the side. In the background, the outline of the central dome of the main building of the school is instantaneously recognisable. When the old wooden statue of a male youth that surmounted the dome was struck by lightning, Battiss was instrumental in casting it in more permanent bronze.
The May sale will also include a beautiful 1936 gouache by Irma Stern, “Near Amanzimtoti” as well as works by KZN artists Jack Heath and Henry Davies.
The Strauss & Co team will be travelling to KZN in February to source consignments and conduct valuations at The Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg, and at the KZNSA Gallery. Strauss & Co’s senior specialist Alastair Meredith will be presenting an illustrated lecture titled
evening before each valuation day. Meredith is a speaker not to be missed.
Bring along your artworks for an obligation free valuation with Strauss & Co’s senior specialists.
The lecture Overlooked Icons by Alastair Meredith will take place on Tuesday, February 18 at 5.30pm at The Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg and in Durban on Wednesday, February 19 at 6pm at the KZN Society of Arts in Glenwood.
The Pietermaritzburg valuation day will take place on Wednesday, February 19 from 9am to 4pm. For an appointment, contact Reena Bhoodram 033 392 2823 or
The Durban valuation day will take place on Thursday, February 20 from 9am to 4pm. For an appointment, contact Susie Goodman on 072 896 7706 or