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The Bonhams Modern & Contemporary African Art auction in March offers a carefully curated selection of significant artworks that present some of the best examples from the continent to be presented to the market in recent times.
Vladimir Griegorovich Tretchikoff (South African, 1913-2006), “Lost Orchid” (framed) £150,000 – 200,000
The auctions’ South African content is led by Vladimir Tretchikoff’s “The Lost Orchid” (est: £150,000 – 200,000). This masterpiece by South Africa’s famed modernist is imbued with the artist’s characteristic storytelling and intrigue. It is one of the artist’s most reproduced and best-known works and the artist ranked it among the paintings of which he was most proud. It had been “lost” for over fifty years before being uncovered in a North American collection.
Sydney Alex Kumalo (South African, 1935-1988) “St Francis of Assisi”, £30,000 – 50,000
Sydney Alex Kumalo (South African, 1935-1988) “St Francis of Assisi”, £30,000 – 50,000
The sale also features one of Sydney Kumalo’s most well-known sculptures St Francis of Assisi created in 1966 (estimate £30,000 – 50,000). Angel by Johannesburg based artist Billie Zangewa is an early silk tapestry also estimated at £30,0000 – 50,000 alongside strong examples of South African photography by David Goldblatt, Santu Mofokeng and Pieter Hugo.
Billie Zangewa (Malawian, born 1973), “Angel”, 2016, £30,000 – 50,000
These share the spotlight with a remarkable fresh to market painting by renowned Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu, “Portrait of Tonkin Jackson” (est. £300,000-500,000). This captivating portrait of the daughter of the artist’s lawyer demonstrates Enwonwu’s skill as a portraitist and captures the nine year-old sitter in an enchanting pose of innocent disregard for the artist. It was exhibited at the Royal Society of British Artists in London in 1987.
Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E (Nigerian, 1917-1994), ”Portrait of Tonkin Jackson“, £300,000 – 500,000
Other highlights in the auction include works by Aboudia, Skunder Boghossian, Demas Nwoko, El Anatsui, Elias Sime, Gerard Sekoto, Irma Stern, Nnenna Okore, Sydney Kumalo, Stanley Pinker, David Koloane, Esther Mahlangu, William Kentridge, Cameron Platter and Carla Busuttil.
Abdoulaye Diarrassouba Aboudia (Ivorian, born 1983), Untitled, £40,000 – 60,000
Browse the auction and register to bid on bonhams.com
London, New Bond Street | 27 March 2024