South African Art

With sales exceeding $18 million in 2011 Bonhams is the global market leader in South African Art. We hold the world records for all the major South African artists with the highlight being the $5 million sale of Irma Stern's "Arab Priest".

As proved by the successful auctions, this field is no longer of purely domestic interest. Modern South African Art has been propelled into the front lines of the global art market and is still producing exceptional prices.

Of particular interest are works by 20th century artists including Irma Stern, Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, Gerard Sekoto, Alexis Preller, Maud Sumner, William Kentridge and Maggie Laubser among many others.

To arrange a free and confidential auction valuation or for further advice on buying or selling at auction, please contact the department.

Highlights from past auctions

Sold for £241,250 inc. premium
Stanley F. Pinker (South African, 1924-2012) 'Merete and Stephen in a garden', Cape Town
Sold for £959,650 inc. premium
Irma Stern (South African, 1894-1966) The pink sari
Sold for £361,250 inc. premium
Irma Stern (South African, 1894-1966) Young Madeiran man wearing a hat
Sold for £289,250 inc. premium
Jacob Hendrik Pierneef (South African, 1886-1957) Cape farmlands (a pair) 55.9 x 50.8cm (22 x 20in.) each