Highlights were the Harry Lits collection of works by the Amadlozi Group which totalled R9,6 million, double its pre-sale estimate. Sydney Kumalo's celebrated sculpture Man on Beast, sold for R1 250 000, five times more than the pre-sale estimate.
The top lot of the sale was a landscape by JH Pierneef which realised R11 936 000, a new world record for the artist. Fourteen of the fifteen Pierneefs on offer sold exceptionally well, in many instances exceeding the auctioneer's pre-sale estimates.
Another highlight was William Kentridge's Drawing for Stereoscope: Soho at Desk on Telephone which sold for R4 million, followed by his Extensive Landscape with Figures and Swimming Pool which made just over R3 million.
A spokesman for Strauss & Co described this as a major boost for the South African art market that is particularly indicative of the demand for quality work by respected artists.
Source : Sapa
'Man on Beast' by Sydney Kumalo
