SUPPLIED: Stephan Welz & Co, Johannesburg, saw a diverse audience compete for exceptional pieces at their recent auction, where sound results were realized overall and numerous items were pursued to prices well above their pre-sale estimates.

Ruth Everard-Haden’s sublime oil painting, LANDSCAPE I (lot 525) was the auction’s top lot, selling with keen interest at R840 000 – double the work’s low estimate. Seasoned auctioneer, Anton Welz, hammered down several other highlights from South African artists including Walter Battiss, Robert Gwelo Goodman, William Kentridge and Anton van Wouw in Tuesday’s evening session.



Committed buying was seen across tiers in artwork sessions: Robert Hodgins’ quaint PROFILE OF A WOMAN sold at R17 920 (est R3 000 – R5 000), Fred Schimmel’s ABSTRACT COMPOSITION II at R29 120 (est R4 000 – R6 000) and Jacob Hendrik Pierneef’s linocut PLAASHUIS, PRETORIA changed hands at R42 560 (est R12 000 – R16 000).



Art books sold in Africana Memorabilia exceeded expectations, where a first edition MAUD SUMNER, PAINTER & POET by Frieda Harmsen was chased to R26 640. Later in the session, Andrew Smith’s ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE ZOOLOGY OF SOUTH AFRICA obtained a phenomenal R95 200.



“The snow in Johannesburg did not deter avid collectors,” said Imre Lamprecht, Head of Paintings. “South African art buyers seem to have moved past the recession, as fervent bidding on select lots suggested. There is no definitive trend as to what is selling at present: quality continues to drive bidding.”



In the spirit of auction, covetable pieces in all five sessions prompted competitive participation from both local and international buyers. In furniture, a Rococo Revival gilded easel was purchased at R16 800 and a Regency mahogany dining room table at R123 200. A Chinese green quartz Guanyin head (lot 657) caused a stir in Session Four, commanding a winning bid of R32 000. The 19th century carving carried a pre-sale estimate of R1 500 – R2 000. Silver continued to draw interest, producing consistently strong results. An intricate set of six Russian silver-gilt and niello Fiddle pattern teaspoons reached R5 175 and a set of 12 Elizabeth II silver boxed menu holders, each cast in the form of the Victorian characters featured in “The Cries of London”, R12 320.



The auction’s closing session featured a gorgeous selection of jewellery. Lot 1104, an emerald and diamond ring, generously donated to the Howick SPCA, achieved R29 120 - almost triple its low estimate. Desirable items compelled buyers: a beautifully crafted diamond starburst pendant/brooch sold at R26 880 (est R8 000 – R12 000) and a pair of citrine and diamond earrings at R21 280 (est R4 000 – R6 000).



Our next auction takes place in Cape Town, 2 & 3 October 2012.



For further information call 011 880 3125 or visit our website www.stephanwelzandco.co.za