Strauss & co - 21 October 2013, Cape Town

725 Alexis PRELLER SOUTH AFRICAN 1911-1975 The Red Pineapples signed and dated ‘49; inscribed with the title in pencil on the reverse oil on canvas laid down on board 49,5 by 59,5cm R400 000 – 600 000 Between 1948 and 1949 Alexis Preller enjoyed a sojourn in the Seychelles and whether this sensual still life was painted there or shortly afterwards, it was no doubt inspired by his experiences of the place and its people. It was a much-anticipated journey which he was convinced would offer the opportunity for which he had waited all his life. In letters to his sister, Minnie, he extols the attractions of the islands – the turquoise sea, the exotic vegetation, tropical fruits and the locals draped in ‘exciting tangas’. 1 These sights, colours and patterns are incorporated into this composition to produce a painting as rich in its cultural references as it is in its festive atmosphere. 1. Berman, Esmé and Nel, Karel. (2009) Alexis Preller: Africa, the Sun and Shadows, Saxonwold: Shelf Publishing. Page 124. 278