29th Oct, 2025 12:00
Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art
13
MAUREEN QUIN (SOUTH AFRICAN B.1934)
ANIMAL BIRD MAN ON BENCH
signed, dated and numbered Quin / 1988 1/4 on the reverse
bronze
58 x 64.5 x 30 cm; 22 3/4 x 25 1/4 x 11 3/4in
Property of a Private Collector, Cambridge
Provenance
Dr Matthys Johannes Strydom Family Collection
Day Sale, Strauss and Co, Johannesburg, Dr Matthys Jonannes Strydom Family Collection, 22 November 2022, lot 88
Acquired from the above by the present owner
The DinksFãStan Private Collection, Cambridge, UK
Literature
Jannet Flynn and Dorothy du Plessis (eds) (2014) Maureen Quin: Master Sculptor: Six Decades of Sculptural Excellence, Alexandria: Du Plessis House, illustrated in colour on page 34
“My works are sculptures first and foremost, the result of deep emotional responses to the world around me. They are not illustrative, conveying their message to the viewer in a subtler way. My sculptures are triggered by human relationships and predicaments, and they find expression through the human figure.” - Maureen Quin
Quin's style combines elements of figurative tradition and abstraction, and often addresses human experiences such as compassion, struggle, and resilience. Her sculptures reflect her engagement with social issues and her environment, being characterised by their "eloquent voids" and visual tension. Quin typically produces multiple anatomical sketches to establish a connection with the subject matter, then constructs an armature and applies clay before casting the sculpture in bronze, thereby creating elongated and dynamic forms. The interaction between the artist and the work is integral to her creative process.
The sculptor attended the School of Fine Arts in Durban from 1952 to 1955 and later received a bursary to study at Goldsmith College of Art in London. She has worked as a professional artist for over 60 years, participating in group and solo exhibitions since 1962, and has received numerous awards for her contribution to sculpture in South Africa. Her works are included in the collections of several South African universities and institutions such as the Pretoria Art Museum, Rupert Museum, and Standard Bank.
ANIMAL BIRD MAN ON BENCH
signed, dated and numbered Quin / 1988 1/4 on the reverse
bronze
58 x 64.5 x 30 cm; 22 3/4 x 25 1/4 x 11 3/4in
Property of a Private Collector, Cambridge
Provenance
Dr Matthys Johannes Strydom Family Collection
Day Sale, Strauss and Co, Johannesburg, Dr Matthys Jonannes Strydom Family Collection, 22 November 2022, lot 88
Acquired from the above by the present owner
The DinksFãStan Private Collection, Cambridge, UK
Literature
Jannet Flynn and Dorothy du Plessis (eds) (2014) Maureen Quin: Master Sculptor: Six Decades of Sculptural Excellence, Alexandria: Du Plessis House, illustrated in colour on page 34
“My works are sculptures first and foremost, the result of deep emotional responses to the world around me. They are not illustrative, conveying their message to the viewer in a subtler way. My sculptures are triggered by human relationships and predicaments, and they find expression through the human figure.” - Maureen Quin
Quin's style combines elements of figurative tradition and abstraction, and often addresses human experiences such as compassion, struggle, and resilience. Her sculptures reflect her engagement with social issues and her environment, being characterised by their "eloquent voids" and visual tension. Quin typically produces multiple anatomical sketches to establish a connection with the subject matter, then constructs an armature and applies clay before casting the sculpture in bronze, thereby creating elongated and dynamic forms. The interaction between the artist and the work is integral to her creative process.
The sculptor attended the School of Fine Arts in Durban from 1952 to 1955 and later received a bursary to study at Goldsmith College of Art in London. She has worked as a professional artist for over 60 years, participating in group and solo exhibitions since 1962, and has received numerous awards for her contribution to sculpture in South Africa. Her works are included in the collections of several South African universities and institutions such as the Pretoria Art Museum, Rupert Museum, and Standard Bank.
Auction: Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art, 29th Oct, 2025
If you want to start collecting striking modern and contemporary art in a newly developing market, our sales are for you. Each spring and autumn, the Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Department hold tightly curated, live and online auctions. Expect to find Arab artists such as Tahia Halim, Seif Wanly, Mahmoud Said and Mohanna Durra. African artists featured have ranged from modern masters such as Ablade Glover, Sam Ntiro and Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, to contemporary artists George Lilanga, Jilali Gharbaoui, Famakan Magassa, Christano Mangovo, Oluwole Omofemi, Esther Mahlangu and Brett Seiler.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 26th October: 12pm to 4pm
Monday 27th October: 10am to 8pm (Drinks 5-8pm)
Tuesday 28th October: 10am to 5pm
