7th May, 2025 12:00
Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art
38
MOSES KOTTLER (SOUTH AFRICAN 1892-1977)
CASSIE
incised Kottler on the reverse
bronze
33.5 x 19.5 x 19.5cm; 13 1/4 x 7 3/4 x 7 3/4in (including base)
Executed in 1936.
Property of a Private Collector, Cambridge
Provenance
Acquired from the artist by D C Boonzaier in 1936
Moses Kohan
Diane Lidchi (thence by descent from the above)
The DinksFãStan Private Collection (acquired from the above in 1998)
The present work is an elegant example of Moses Kottler's skill in capturing the subtleties of human form and emotion. The sculptor was born in Joniskis, Lithuania. His parents moved to South Africa when he was young with a wave of Jewish emigration to the country, but Kottler was sent to the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem to study art and later at the Munich Art Academy. The city a hub for avant-garde Modernism, Kottler was greatly influenced by the Blaue Reiter group which included Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee. From Germany, he travelled to Paris and mixed with sculptors Jacques Lipchitz and Henri Epstein. In 1915 Kottler moved to South Africa to join his family in Oudtshoorn and a year later moved to Cape Town, where he met cartoonist and art collector D. C. Boonzaier, who had a huge influence on his artistic career. After 1924 Kottler decided to pursue sculpture rather than painting. He soon became well known, both in South Africa and abroad, for his ability to render his figures with both classical refinement and expressionist vulnerability.
Sold for £1,500
CASSIE
incised Kottler on the reverse
bronze
33.5 x 19.5 x 19.5cm; 13 1/4 x 7 3/4 x 7 3/4in (including base)
Executed in 1936.
Property of a Private Collector, Cambridge
Provenance
Acquired from the artist by D C Boonzaier in 1936
Moses Kohan
Diane Lidchi (thence by descent from the above)
The DinksFãStan Private Collection (acquired from the above in 1998)
The present work is an elegant example of Moses Kottler's skill in capturing the subtleties of human form and emotion. The sculptor was born in Joniskis, Lithuania. His parents moved to South Africa when he was young with a wave of Jewish emigration to the country, but Kottler was sent to the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem to study art and later at the Munich Art Academy. The city a hub for avant-garde Modernism, Kottler was greatly influenced by the Blaue Reiter group which included Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee. From Germany, he travelled to Paris and mixed with sculptors Jacques Lipchitz and Henri Epstein. In 1915 Kottler moved to South Africa to join his family in Oudtshoorn and a year later moved to Cape Town, where he met cartoonist and art collector D. C. Boonzaier, who had a huge influence on his artistic career. After 1924 Kottler decided to pursue sculpture rather than painting. He soon became well known, both in South Africa and abroad, for his ability to render his figures with both classical refinement and expressionist vulnerability.
Auction: Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art, 7th May, 2025
Auction Location: London, UK
The Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art market has flourished over the last 15 years and continues to grow, establishing a strong foothold in the UK. Our expert department at Olympia Auctions has, uniquely among other auction houses, brought together the synergies of the Arab world, Maghreb and the rest of Africa, reflecting the mutuality and shared history of these regions.
Our previous sales have included works from the collection of the late Saudi collector, Dr Mohammed Said Farsi and the Zulficar Family Collection.
Each spring and autumn, we hold bi-annual, tightly curated, live auctions, offering both young and established collectors the opportunity to acquire works in a wide range of price brackets.
Contact expert Janet Rady to consign in a future sale or for any queries: janet.rady@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0)20 7806 5541
For further sale enquiries please contact Isobel Bambury: isobel.bambury@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0)20 7806 5541
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Thursday 1st May: 10:00am- 8.30pm (Private View: 5:00 - 8:30pm including Panel Discussion at 7:00pm)
Friday 2nd May: 10:00am-5:00pm
Monday 5th May: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Tuesday 6th May 10:00am - 5:00pm
AUCTION
Wednesday 7th May, 12:00pm
Viewing
Public Exhibition:
Thursday 1st May: 10:00am- 8.30pm (Private View: 5:00pm - 8:30pm including Panel Discussion at 7:00pm)
Friday 2nd May: 10:00am-5:00pm
Monday 5th May: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Tuesday 6th May 10:00am - 5:00pm
AUCTION
Wednesday 7th May, 12:00pm
