Anton van Wouw (South African 1862 - 1945) "SIDWANE" TOKOZIL...

Estimate

R200,000 - R300,000

Hammer

R190,000

Anton van Wouw (South African 1862 - 1945) "SIDWANE" TOKOZILE

More Information

signed, inscribed "Sidwane Tokozile" and "S.A Joh-burg"
bronze on wooden base
28cm (height); 14,5cm (width); 15cm (depth) excluding base

PROVENANCE
Collection of Dr CL de Bruyn

LITERATURE
Duffey, A.E. Anton van Wouw: The Smaller Works, Protea Book House, Pretoria, 2008, another cast illustrated on pp. 74-75

Considered the ‘father of South African sculpture’, Anton van Wouw created an extraordinary and era-defining body of work, ranging from monumental to small-scale bronzes. His smaller works achieved sculptural expression at a level that his monumental works rarely did.

Van Wouw grew to have a deep respect for the Boer nation during his stay in the wilderness. This admiration had a significant impact on his artistic growth as well as he related to their tribulations and aspirations, and this dedication was reflected in his sculptures. As a colonial artist who “romanticised” the individuals that he portrayed, van Wouw emphasised white tropes to his primarily white and wealthy audience. Although much of his work is figurative, it successfully captures the untamed and vulnerable essence of his subjects. Figures were represented according to how the mining barons wanted them to be perceived, in line with colonial ideology that claimed the "uncivilized man" could be recognized by his uncouth clothing and eating habits.

It is believed that the sitter for Bust of a Zulu (1907) was also the model for “Sidwane” Tokozile (also referred to as the Coffee Drinker). A Zulu man with pronounced cheekbones and an angular beard is depicted in both sculptures, however, van Wouw successfully conveys a wide range of emotions and facial expressions. While the Bust of a Zulu (1907) emanates confidence, Sidwane Tokozile's slumped position conveys humble resignation as he clasps both hands around a mug. Wearing a head cloth and a tattered shirt that is torn on the left “the utter poverty and humble thankfulness for the cup of coffee is well represented” (Duffey 2008: 74).

Duffey, A.E. Anton Van Wouw: The Smaller Works. Protea Book House, Pretoria, 2008.