Irma Stern

Joe Wolpe, Cape Town
Die Kunskamer, Cape Town
Private Collection

There are black framing marks to the length of the upper framing edge of the work. Examination under UV shows no evidence of retouch or repair. Overall the work is in good stable condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present lot may have been painted during Stern's visit to France in 1950, and bears a resemblance stylistically and in subject matter to Le Jour du Sacré Coeur in the collection of the Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Bloemfontein (Marion Arnold, Irma Stern: A feast for the eye, Cape Town, 1993, illustrated p.40). On 5th September that year she wrote to her close friend Freda Feldman describing the itinerary for her European trip, 'Madeira, Lisbon, Madrid, Monaco, Venice, Geneva, Paris, London'. It is likely the 'Sacré-Cœur' of the title refers to the mid-summer Feast of the Sacred Heart, as portrayed in the Oliewenhuis painting, rather than the Sacré-Cœur church in Paris. Stern was perhaps happiest in the south of France, her visit to Paris being a practical stop on her way to London, 'to see the exhibition the Vierge dans l'art français and to get my money from the French government for a picture bought two years ago for their gallery'.