Eyes Wide Open of Maggie Laubser

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

One of the specialties of Bonhams in London is the art of South Africa. They always include artworks of Irma Stern, a woman artist whom I previously discussed here. I like the realistic characters of this artist whose paintings have ethnographic and psychological qualities.

In addition to Irma, we find in the same sales some paintings by her contemporary artist Maggie Laubser. Irma Stern was born in 1894 and Maria Magdalena Laubser in 1886.

The press release for the sale of February 18 is opening on an oil on canvas by Maggie, 59x53 cm, showing a young Indian lady with poinsettias. It could be dated from 1936, during a journey of the artist in Natal.

Maggie's intention is artistic. Ethnic but less psychological than typical subjects of Irma, our Indian woman takes advantage of a simple graphism. I compare it with van Dongen, especially when I see the big eyes, so large that they become the highlight of the whole image.

The estimate is £ 100K.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The result is excellent: K £ 230 excluding fees.

Sales of South African art at Bonhams in London always include good surprises. This is a sign that it is a market of enthusiasts, so a healthy market.

I want to remember the extraordinary result of the sale of 10 September 2008: £ 720 K before fees for a painting of Jacob Hendrik Pierneef showing a baobab tree.