{"title":"South African Artists \u0026 Fine Art","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"148\" data-end=\"408\"\u003eThis collection presents works by South African artists represented in the Egon Guenther family collection. South Africa has produced a rich and diverse artistic tradition shaped by deep cultural heritage, regional identity, and powerful historical narratives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"410\" data-end=\"719\"\u003eThe artists included here reflect a wide range of influences — from traditional spiritual and community-based practices to modern and post-colonial artistic expression. Many works engage with themes of ancestry, landscape, identity, and social change, offering both cultural depth and historical significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"721\" data-end=\"964\"\u003eThis section begins with artists associated with the \u003cstrong data-start=\"774\" data-end=\"792\"\u003eAmatlozi group\u003c\/strong\u003e, whose work reflects important developments in contemporary South African art. As the collection grows, additional artists and movements will be added under this category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"966\" data-end=\"1150\"\u003eEach piece in this collection has been carefully preserved as part of the Egon Guenther family collection and represents a significant chapter in the artistic dialogue of South Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cecil-skotnes-woodcut-artist-s-proof-on-the-sangro-1975-south-african-print-on-zerkall-butten-paper","title":"Cecil Skotnes Woodcut Artist’s Proof “On the Sangro” (1975) – South African Print on Zerkall Bütten Paper","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"314\" data-end=\"806\"\u003eThis woodcut, titled \u003cem data-start=\"335\" data-end=\"350\"\u003eOn the Sangro\u003c\/em\u003e, was created in 1975 by the South African artist Cecil Skotnes (1926–2009). It forms part of the portfolio \u003cem data-start=\"458\" data-end=\"486\"\u003eIn Memory Charles Eglinton\u003c\/em\u003e and reflects Skotnes’ sustained engagement with carved form, mask imagery, and sculptural line translated into printmaking. The composition demonstrates the artist’s characteristic synthesis of figural abstraction and African-derived visual language, articulated through bold contouring and structured planes of colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrinted by Egon Guenther at the Egon Guenther Gallery Studio, Johannesburg, the impression is an Artist’s Proof (IV\/XV) from a private edition of 75, with 15 proofs. Executed as a woodcut on Zerkall Bütten paper, the sheet bears the artist’s signature and date (1975), together with blind embossing. The paper and printing are consistent with Guenther’s studio production of the period. Artist’s proofs from this edition are scarce and hold particular relevance for collectors of modern South African printmaking.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePrinted by Egon Guenther; from the Egon Guenther studio archive.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1708\" data-end=\"1736\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1708\" data-end=\"1734\"\u003eMEASUREMENTS\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eSheet size: approx. 64 × 48 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eImage size: approx. 49.5 × 37.5 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCirca: 1975\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Esteemed Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52784821502293,"sku":"EG CE 010","price":230.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/2353\/1861\/files\/1_6931b7ef-9024-44f3-8182-ced094fe084b.png?v=1772300486"},{"product_id":"cecil-skotnes-1926-2009-dare-he-call-it-love-artist-s-proof-woodcut-print-south-africa-1975-zerkall-butten-paper","title":"Cecil Skotnes (1926–2009) - “Dare He Call It Love”, Artist’s Proof Woodcut Print, South Africa, 1975, Zerkall Bütten Paper","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis colour woodcut print by the South African artist \u003cstrong data-start=\"509\" data-end=\"538\"\u003eCecil Skotnes (1926–2009)\u003c\/strong\u003e titled \u003cem data-start=\"546\" data-end=\"568\"\u003eDare He Call It Love\u003c\/em\u003e was produced in 1975 as part of the portfolio \u003cstrong data-start=\"615\" data-end=\"651\"\u003e“In Memory of Charles Eglinton.”\u003c\/strong\u003e The composition presents two highly stylised anthropomorphic figures rendered in Skotnes’ characteristic sculptural linear language, combining elements of figuration and abstraction that became central to his mature graphic work. Skotnes was a key figure in modern South African art and an influential teacher associated with the Polly Street Art Centre in Johannesburg.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe print is executed as a multi-block colour woodcut on \u003cstrong data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1105\"\u003eZerkall Bütten paper\u003c\/strong\u003e, a fine mould-made printmaking paper widely used for studio editions. This example is an \u003cstrong data-start=\"1195\" data-end=\"1221\"\u003eArtist’s Proof (IV\/XV)\u003c\/strong\u003e from the edition of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1242\" data-end=\"1284\"\u003e75 impressions plus 15 artist’s proofs\u003c\/strong\u003e. The work is signed and dated \u003cstrong data-start=\"1315\" data-end=\"1334\"\u003e“C. Skotnes 75”\u003c\/strong\u003e in pencil and was printed by \u003cstrong data-start=\"1364\" data-end=\"1381\"\u003eEgon Guenther\u003c\/strong\u003e at the Egon Guenther Gallery Studio in Johannesburg. The print displays strong colour registration and crisp carved line typical of Skotnes’ woodcut technique and remains a significant example of South African modernist printmaking of the 1970s.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1881\" data-end=\"1891\"\u003eCirca:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1975\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePROVENANCE \u003c\/strong\u003ePrinted by \u003cstrong data-start=\"1937\" data-end=\"1954\"\u003eEgon Guenther\u003c\/strong\u003e, Egon Guenther Gallery Studio, Johannesburg; from the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2009\" data-end=\"2037\"\u003eEgon Guenther collection\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1024\" data-end=\"1627\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Esteemed Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53240762728789,"sku":"EG CE  011","price":230.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/2353\/1861\/files\/1_8d996752-4779-4189-b626-679561e9b1ec.jpg?v=1773385639"},{"product_id":"cecil-skotnes-linocut-print-fall-in-molise-1975-south-african-modernist-graphic-on-zerkall-butten-paper","title":"Cecil Skotnes Linocut Print “Fall in Molise” (1975) – South African Modernist Graphic on Zerkall Bütten Paper","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"332\" data-end=\"828\"\u003eThis graphic work, titled \u003cem data-start=\"358\" data-end=\"377\"\u003e“Fall in Molise,”\u003c\/em\u003e is a linocut print by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eCecil Skotnes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, one of the central figures in South African modernist printmaking. The composition reflects Skotnes’ characteristic visual language—layered, rhythmic forms and strong contouring—developed through his engagement with landscape and abstraction. The work forms part of a limited portfolio produced in memory of Charles Eglinton, situating it within a defined commemorative and studio context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"830\" data-end=\"1327\"\u003ePrinted at the Egon Guenther Gallery Studio, Johannesburg, the sheet is executed on Zerkall Bütten paper, a high-quality mould-made paper favored for fine art prints. This example is an artist’s proof (IV\/XV), outside the standard numbered edition of 75. The impression is clean and well-preserved, with strong color registration and full margins. As both a studio print and a proof impression, it holds particular relevance for collectors of South African printmaking and Skotnes’ graphic oeuvre.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Esteemed Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53726124835157,"sku":"EG CE  03","price":230.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/2353\/1861\/files\/1_a79ef220-5ec3-4cfd-a19a-e463fbf8f449.jpg?v=1776705951"},{"product_id":"wopko-jensma-carved-wooden-printer-s-block-abstract-figure-south-africa-c-1970s","title":"Wopko Jensma Carved Wooden Printer’s Block “Abstract Figure”, South Africa, c.1970s","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA carved wooden printer’s block attributed to Wopko Jensma (South African, 1939–1993), produced during his period of activity within the Linksfield workshop of Egon Guenther, Johannesburg. The composition presents an abstract figural arrangement defined by elongated, biomorphic forms and a structured border, consistent with Jensma’s graphic vocabulary developed in his woodcut and linocut practice. As a printing matrix, the object represents a primary stage in the artist’s production process rather than a derivative work, offering direct insight into the material origins of his printed imagery.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eExecuted in carved wood rather than the more commonly encountered linoleum, the block retains clear tool marks and evidence of studio use. The surface shows controlled wear consistent with handling and printing activity. Works of this type are infrequently encountered on the market, particularly with documented association to the Guenther workshop. The piece holds relevance both as a functional print matrix and as an autonomous sculptural object within Jensma’s broader oeuvre.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eMaterial: Wood\u003cbr data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1647\"\u003eTechnique: Hand-carved relief\u003cbr data-start=\"1676\" data-end=\"1679\"\u003eFunction: Printmaking matrix (woodcut process)\u003cbr data-start=\"1725\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003eCultural attribution: Attributed to Wopko Jensma (South African modernist context)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1810\" data-end=\"1813\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCirca: \u003c\/strong\u003e1970s\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/strong\u003eGift from Egon Guenther to Thomas Guenther; validated by Strauss \u0026amp; Co, Johannesburg (2018).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eHeight: 56 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"2000\" data-end=\"2003\"\u003eWidth: 40 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"2015\" data-end=\"2018\"\u003eWeight: 2.92 kg\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Esteemed Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53820737126741,"sku":"EG WJ 01","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/2353\/1861\/files\/TGVBN20_4344cb48-425c-43c0-9eae-b09b462a44c4.jpg?v=1777903991"},{"product_id":"ezrom-kgobokanyo-sebata-legae-terracotta-horizontal-figure-south-africa-c-1965-1975","title":"Ezrom Kgobokanyo Sebata Legae Terracotta Horizontal Figure, South Africa, c.1965–1975","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"878\" data-start=\"276\"\u003eThis sculptural terracotta horizontal figure is attributed to South African artist \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eEzrom Kgobokanyo Sebata Legae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and represents an early to mid-career studio work produced during the artist’s formative sculptural period. The abstracted zoomorphic form displays Legae’s characteristic reduction of anatomy into simplified volumetric masses, with projecting horn-like extremities and rounded organic elements integrated into the composition. Hand-modelled in terracotta and kiln fired, the work was conceived primarily as a sculptural object for display and collection rather than functional use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1393\" data-start=\"880\"\u003eThe surface shows expected firing irregularities, minor abrasions, scattered inclusions within the clay body, and age-related handling wear consistent with studio terracotta works of the period. No visible signature observed. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAttribution supported by accompanying Strauss \u0026amp; Co documentation identifying the sculpture and referencing provenance from the Egon Guenther Collection. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCirca: \u003c\/strong\u003ec.1965–1975. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Egon Guenther Collection, later by descent. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eHeight 16 cm; \u003cbr\u003eLength 32 cm. \u003cbr\u003eWeight: 4.985 kg.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Esteemed Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53939121160533,"sku":"EG EKSL 28","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/2353\/1861\/files\/ezrom-legae-terracotta-zoomorphic-head-south-africa-egon-guenther-collection.jpg?v=1778996755"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/2353\/1861\/collections\/Untitled_design_7f6f2525-c3d2-4365-b528-940e121aa388.png?v=1772313853","url":"https:\/\/esteemedantiques.com\/collections\/south-african-artists-paintings.oembed","provider":"Esteemed Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}