Auction to draw on top SA artists

10 August 2011 - 02:17 By AUDREY NYATHI
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Russell Kaplan Auctioneers, who specialise in 20th-century South African art and international antiques, have a strong, varied collection of more than 600 lots coming under the hammer on Saturday.

Works on auction include an early, large drawing by William Kentridge.

"There is an exciting collection of collectors' and investment art, as well as antiques, furniture and jewellery," said auctioneer Russell Kaplan.

"A rare, early Kentridge work is creating excitement.

"Being a large work by him, we have estimated in the region of R1.3-million for it," he says.

"It was done in 1993 for a series the artist did of terracotta heads. It is watercolour, charcoal and collage and measures 146cm by 117cm."

Other items include a large sculpture by Eduardo Villa in 1965.

According to Kaplan, it has been in a private collection since it was purchased from the artist in 1965.

The steel Sentinel figure measures 205cm in height and is estimated at R250000 to R350000.

Two mixed-media works by painter, sculptor and printmaker Deborah Bell are up for grabs, as well as works by Robert Hodgins and Cape Town artist Simon Stone.

"There is an interesting work by Willie Bester of the view from the courtyard at Robben island, as well as works by Douglas Portway and Cecil Skotnes," says Kaplan.

Collectors can also bid for works by Cornelius Bosch, who died in February. Bosch is renowned for paintings of flowers and dramatic landscapes.

The following artists will also be featured: Adriaan Boshoff, WH Coetzer, Gabriel de Jongh, Coignard, Titta Fasciotti, Sidney Goldblatt, Sydney Kumalo, Alfred Krenz, Aileen Lipkin, Speelman Mahlangu, Henry Moore, Victor Pasmore, Pierneef linocuts, Clement Serneels, Larry Scully, Portway, Tugwell, Sydney Spears and Reginald Turvey.

Items available include a Chinese display case, yellowwood furniture, 19th-century grandfather clock, ormolu 19th-century mantle clock, French furniture, Anglo-Indian painted horse, display cabinets, leather-topped desks, Murano glass, sapphire bangle, Rolex, Breitling, Tag Heuer and Cartier watches and a gilded French settee.

Buyers who wish to view the items before the auction can visit the offices today from 4.30pm to 7pm and tomorrow and Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm. The auction rooms open at 10am at Bordeaux Court, corner of Garden and Allan roads, Randburg.

  • Visit www.rkauctioneers.co.za or call 011-789-7422
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