Strauss & co - Review 2022

Strauss & Co is a reseller of collectables; this is its principal function. To this end, Strauss & Co organised a full calendar of auctions in 2022. In addition to its traditional marquee live-virtual auctions, it presented a near- monthly schedule of online-only auctions, as well as various specialist auctions and charity initiatives. The four marquee auctions, presented twice yearly in Cape Town and Johannesburg, continue to generate the lion’s share of Strauss & Co’s annual turnover (R201.7 million, or 57% of the total income). While these anchor events remain the premier markets for trade in high-value items by seasoned collectors and trade specialists, two single-artist sales in 2022 devoted to J.H. Pierneef and Irma Stern earned a combined R56.7 million from just 210 lots sold. The totals achieved by both sales exceeded the mid-estimate, a result largely attributable to the focus of curated auction and the quality and important provenance of the works consigned. Curation brings sharper focus to the business of selling Jacob Hendrik Pierneef  Okahandjaberg, S.W.A.  Sold R91 040 ($3 591) 12 July, JH Pierneef: En Route Jacob Hendrik Pierneef  Farmhouse with Twin Peaks Beyond Sold R682 800 ($40 165)  12 July, JH Pierneef: En Route 22