SA Painting Worth Millions Found on UK Fridge
Bonhams fine art and antique auction house made an exciting announcement in August 2015. According to the auctioneer, a painting by the renowned South African artist Irma Stern was accidentally discovered during a routine appraisal. Stern achieved national and international recognition for her works and travelled extensively all over Africa and Europe for inspiration and for her exhibitions.
Well spotted
The painting was noticed by Hannah O’Leary, who is Bonhams’ specialist in South African art. O’Leary was doing a standard valuation at a London flat when she spotted the art in the kitchen. It was stuck on the fridge where it was being used as a kitchen notice board: the owners had no idea of its value.
The painting
Named ‘Arab in Black’, the masterpiece is 76 years old and has been on foreign shores for around four decades. It was originally owned by art collector Betty Suzman, the daughter of Woolworths South Africa founder Max Sonnenberg. Suzman was a relation of Helen Suzman, the MP and anti-apartheid activist. The painting moved with its former owner to the United Kingdom in the 70s and was eventually handed down to its current owner.
Not just an Irma Stern
The particular work of art is not only valuable because of the artist who created it; it also has great political significance. ‘Arab in Black’ was put up for auction in the early 60s to raise money for Nelson Mandela and his co-conspirators, when they were on trial for treason between 1956 and 1961. The funds that were raised helped with legal fees and with supporting the defendants’ families while they were in prison. It was claimed that Stern was sympathetic to their plight and had donated the painting to the cause. In a statement to the press Hannah O’Leary said, “It was a hugely exciting find, even before I learned of its political significance.”
The current estimated value of ‘Arab in Black’ is between R13 million and R20 million. It is due to go on sale in London in September 2015.
The African Auction Blog 