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Strauss & Co Achieves Exceptional Results For Rare Early William Kentridge Wildlife Drawings From Engen Collection
- 100% sold / white glove sale
- Total of R8 391 428 realised, exceeding pre-sale expectations
- Highest price realised for Grey Crowned Crane , R901 095
The suite of 15 wildlife drawings, commissioned in 1985 for Mobil’s (now Engen) Cape Town headquarters, represents a pivotal moment in Kentridge’s development as a draughtsman. Revered for their sensitivity, technical mastery, and insight into the artist’s early creative concerns, these works drew widespread global interest.
The sale ignited fierce competitive bidding from across the world, with telephone bidders from London, New York, and Dubai, culminating in a White Glove sale with all 15 lots sold.
The top-performing lot, Grey Crowned Crane, achieved an impressive R901 095, followed by Stretching Cheetah, which realised R750 913, both far exceeding expectations.
“This remarkable result underscores the enduring power and relevance of Kentridge’s early practice. We are honoured to have brought such an important and unique body of work to market, and delighted by the strong local and international response. The result confirms Strauss & Co’s ongoing success with single artist auctions,” commented Dr Alastair Meredith, Director and Strauss & Co Art Department Head after the auction.
The success of this sale further cements Strauss & Co’s standing as the premier platform for South African art, and highlights the continued global appetite for the work of William Kentridge.
The Johannesburg Auction Week continues:
Tuesday 18 November:
· Modern & Contemporary Art Day Sale – Timed online closing from 2pm
· Modern & Contemporary Art Evening Sale – Live Virtual at 7pm
Wednesday 19 November
· The Starcke Collection of African Art – Timed online closing from 2pm
