Staff writer

Bonhams fourth and largest sale of South African Art, consists of 450 lots divided into two sales, one at Bonhams in Knightsbridge on September 9 and one in Bonhams in Bond Street on September 10.

The sale features the iconic Pierneef image, The Baobab Tree, which is estimated to sell for £300,000.

While Charles Te Water was serving as the South African High Commissioner in London, Pierneef was given the commission to paint the murals for South Africa House in London. On 27 June 1933 the Pierneef family left Pretoria for London Pierneef completed the murals by May 1934 and accepted a further commission from Te Water to paint five works for the dining-room in South Africa House.The room was officially opened on 31 May 1934 and was known as the ‘Pierneef Room’.
This painting is unquestionably a product of Pierneef at his finest. The majestic baobab tree stands proud dominating the landscape, with the five people at the foot of the tree and the signs of human habitation in the background, dwarfed by comparison. It is reasonable to assume that The
Baobab Tree was painted around 1934.

The Bonhams South African Art Sales include the most significant collection of Irma Sterns yet seen in London, no fewer than 38 paintings.

Giles Peppiatt, Head of South African Art at Bonhams, said of his next sale: “We have had such a growth of interest that we have had to extend the sale to two days and two venues to allow us to exhibit the works as they deserve.
We are seeing a maturing market for South African Art with a greater
appreciation by non South African buyers”.