Strauss & co - 2016 Review

Painting remains the benchmark collectable In his 1869 novel A Sentimental Education , French author Gustave Flaubert describes the “thrill of astonishment” that distinguishes a memorable auction. In November, ten works by Alexis Preller, many unseen for decades, went under thehammer at Strauss & Co’s Johannesburg sale, held at the Wanderers Club. This thrilling sale was handled by Easton, who confidently solicited bids for Preller’s works in a style that recalled Flaubert’s description of a Parisian auctioneer assuredly working the room 150 years ago. The sale of Preller’s life-size rendition of the biblical first man, Adam , was the source of particular suspense. Acquired by the Siegels shortly after its production in 1969 and shipped to New York, the return to South Africa of Preller’s intaglio and oil on fibreglass masterpiece was met with great excitement. Speaking at a packed lecture hosted by Strauss & Co in the lead up to the sale, artist and historian Karel Nel described Adam as a “powerful, enigmatic work of immense complexity”. This unique work sold for R6 820 800. Art specialist Alastair Meredith discusses Adam ’s consignment on page 52. The Lost Prellers , lecture conducted by Prof Karel Nel, Strauss & Co Johannesburg, 17 October 2016 12