Irma Stern Find

This painting Arab in Black (1939) by Irma Stern was discovered by Bonhams Head of South African Art, Hannah O’Leary, whilst doing a routine valuation of a London apartment. It was being used as a notice board and was covered with letters, postcards and bills. It was originally put up for auction to help fund the defence of Nelson Mandela and his co-defendants in South Africa’s Treason Trial. The purchaser subsequently moved to the UK. The work comes up for auction in Bonhams sale of South African Art in London on 9 September, estimated at £700,000 to £1 million. A notice board of historic importance! CLICK for more information.