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Pieter van der Westhuizen (1931-2008) Four Faces, 1986
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Details
Hand-signed and dated “1986” by the artist.
Sizes:
Frame: 42.5 × 31.5 cm | 16.7 × 12.4 in
Artwork: 19 × 12.5 cm | 7.5 × 4.9 in
This compelling woodblock proof is a significant example of Pieter van der Westhuizen’s graphic mastery. The composition features four stylized faces arranged in a tight, geometric configuration, showcasing the artist’s ability to blend modernist structural rigor with expressive, rhythmic lines.
As a proof impression existing outside the standard numbered edition, this work offers a rare glimpse into the artist’s studio process. The inclusion of his signature green chop mark authenticates the work and places it within a pivotal period of his career, just years before his major international recognition in Madrid. The work captures the “quiet charm” and contemplative humanity that defined his diverse body of work.
Provenance
Family Collection, Spain: Part of a distinguished private collection of artworks and antiques.
Acquired from a gallery or at auction in Cape Town, South Africa, between 1991 and 1995 to furnish a local residence.
The collection was subsequently relocated to Spain following the family’s departure from South Africa.
Condition Report
Excellent condition; professionally framed and glazed; colors and paper remain well-preserved.
Shipping
Packed as size S (up to 60 × 50 cm) · 42.5 × 31.5 cm framed
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Authenticity & Buyer Information
Aurora & Athena provides a Five-Year Authenticity Guarantee for qualifying catalogue attributions, in accordance with our Conditions of Sale.
Buyers should review the catalogue carefully and raise any questions before bidding; additional information is not ordinarily provided after the auction.
5-Year Authenticity Guarantee
A Five-Year Authenticity Guarantee for qualifying catalogue attributions, under our Conditions of Sale.
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Pieter van der Westhuizen
Pieter van der Westhuizen was born in Pretoria in 1931. He studied art through Unisa under Zakkie Eloff, Leo Theron and Robert Hodgins, worked under Alfred Krenz in 1960 and Erik Laubscher in 1971, and in 1979–80 attended the Nationaal Hoger Instituut voor Schone Kunsten at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Belgium, returning to the Ghent academy and the graphic centre at Kasterlee in 1982 and 1985.
In 1983 and 1985 he studied woodblock printing in Japan, a training that shaped the graphic side of his work: etchings, woodcuts and proofs marked with his green chop.
His subjects are landscapes, portraits, still lifes, figures and abstractions, painted in oil, pastel and watercolour and drawn with a rhythmic, simplified line. In 1988 and 1989 he was invited to exhibit in Madrid alongside Marc Chagall, Yaacov Agam and Ben Avram; his largest South African exhibition marked his 65th birthday.
He held many solo and group exhibitions and his work is in public and private collections in South Africa and abroad. He died on 30 December 2008, aged 77.
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