Strauss & co - 12 November 2018, Johannesburg

29 33 JeanWelz SOUTH AFRICAN 1900–1975 Seated Figure signed and dated 57 oil on board 40,5 by 30,5 cm R80 000 – 100 000 This picture is an enigma. At first glance, arrested movement comes to mind. Who is this youth? Is he a dancer or an actor? Is he taking a short break between two acts? Or has he just acknowledged a final curtain call? The youth’s pose echoes the quintessential contrapposto of classical sculpture. Welz refrains from meticulous delineation and underscores the sense of balance by suggestive colour touches of the artist’s brush. A touch of warm colour, crimson, in the overall cool palette, suggests the finery embellishing the youth’s cap. Seated for a moment, the youth’s weight finds support on an armrest. Subsequently his hand freely weighs down. The other hand balances its counterpart. It is the active element and seemingly holds a bouquet close to his chest. The composition is a study in balance and counter balance. Elza Miles