Irma Stern (South African, 1894-1966) Still life of roses and earthenware signed and dated 'Irma Stern 1936' (lower right) oil on canvas 48 x 59cm (18 7/8 x 23 1/4in). Footnotes: Looking at this still life, one can see why the British artist, Jacob Epstein, was of the opinion that 'nobody living' painted flowers better than Irma Stern. The roses scattered across the table are brought to life with thick, sensual strokes of pinks, creams, and yellows. They have a tangible quality; one can almost feel the velvety-soft petals. As was typical of Stern, she has personalised the painting by including two ceramics from her own eclectic collection. She was a voracious traveller and always acquired an objets d'art as a memento. These fuelled her imagination when she was back in her studio in Cape Town, prompting memories and inspiring romantic wanderings. Stern had a keen appreciation for colour, which we can see utilised here. The soft peach tones of the blooms in the foreground are subtly echoed by the pink hues in the drapery behind. It lends a harmonious dynamism to the composition, drawing the viewer's eye from the lower right corner up the curtain and back down along the curved body of the pitcher. Bibliography H. Smuts, At Home with Irma Stern, (Cape Town, 2007), pp.34-35. S. Klopper, Life Force: the Still Lifes of Irma Stern, (RMB Turbine Art Fair exhibition catalogue, 2018), pp.12-13. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com