Strauss & co - 20 May 2013, Johannesburg

151 257 Maud Frances Eyston SUMNER south african 1902–1985 Moon Galilee signed; signed and inscribed with the title on the reverse oil on canvas 119 by 58,5 cm R300 000–500 000 notes cf. Alexander, F.L. Art in South Africa: Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Work Since 1900 . A.A. Balkema, 1962, a similar work is illustrated on page 107, plate 88 cf. Eglington, Charles. Maud Sumner . Purnell and Sons S.A. (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town and Johannesburg, 1967, a similar work titled Boat, Lake of Galilee is illustrated on page 37, plate 47 In a letter addressed to a dear friend, dated June 1966, Maud Sumner wrote: ‘All the same – this I am certain of – it’s no good thinking too much, or philosophising about it. The only concern is one’s own answer – is to paint, or work it all out on canvases (i.e. not in one’s head.)’. In this work, titled Moon Galilee, the ‘working it all out’ can clearly be seen. Forming part of a series using this particular landscape 1 we can see the fruits of years of experimentation 2 . Line and colour combine to form a far more intricate surface – a shimmering luminosity has been achieved by the application of thin glazes over the background surfaces 3 . Adding further to this jewel-like effect is the gentle faceting of the surface. Sumner also draws our attention to certain areas by the inclusion of thin lines to highlight specific forms as demonstrated in this composition, where the foreground tree is subtlety picked out against the moonlit lake. 1. An expanded composition titled Boats, Lake of Galilee forms part of the William Humphries Art Gallery Collection. 2. Sumner experimented on smaller canvases before producing works on a larger scale. Some of these smaller works were exhibited at the Henri Lidchi Gallery in Johannesburg in 1959. 3. Eglington, Charles. Maud Sumner , Purnell & Sons, Johannesburg, 1967, page 38