Lazy Day, Peter Clarke, 1975
A0037 47/47/16, Andrezj Urbanski, 2016
Aspire Art Auctions achieves sparkling results in latest sale Aspire Art Auctions’ latest Johannesburg sale was held on 17 June 2018. The dynamic and innovative auction house made impressive statements, and set several world records, selling rare works by Irma Stern, and setting a new world mark for Peter Clarke. World records are also set for Zander Blom, Paul Stopforth and Andrezj Urbanski in a major coup in the contemporary segment. The fine art was joined by a small, intimate private collection of antique furniture, an area into which Aspire has recently branched out.
T
he top lot by value on the sale was the superb Irma
Another significant Stern still life, one which has
Stern, Still life with magnolias, apples and bowl
also never been at auction before, was sold. Still life with
(1949), which fetched R6 828 000. While not a South
chrysanthemums in the artist’s handmade ceramic jug, from
African record by the artist, it is the highest price
1950, sold for R3 414 000.
achieved for a work by Stern for over a year. The painting has
Among other mid-twentieth century fine art to attract
an impeccable provenance, having been in the same family
substantial bids and sale results were two works by Alexis
since 1950, when it was first purchased in Johannesburg, and
Preller, The Wounded Soldier (1944) and Celestial Twins
has never been exhibited.
(1955). Preller’s work has been solidifying its reputation
40 / Creative Feel / July 2018
