Strauss & co - Review 2009

20 Jean Welz S OUTH A FRICAN 1900-1975 World Record Still Life with Three Vessels and Checked Tablecloth, 1945 signed and dated 45; signed inscribed with the title and “Worcester, Cape”on the reverse oil on wood panel, 58 by 47 cm SOLD R1 225 400, MARCH 2009 Still Life with Three Vessels and Checked Tablecloth is distinguished by being possibly the earliest example of formalism in South African art. “Once again the harmonious proportions of the golden rule are the basis for the composition, for the subtleties of colour and the distribution and diffusion of light. The loving attention to the painterly textures [is] like an ode to simplicity. The intensity of these silent and pulsing objects echoes Welz’s own words: The artist is a person who has the ability to use symbols to express adequately his intimate knowledge for the benefit, enlightenment (and delight) of others.” Dr Elza Miles, The World of Jean Welz. Rembrandt van Rijn Art Foundation & Fernwood Press, Cape Town, 1997, p 48, illustrated p 57.