An exceptional program of international artists, including 20th century icons like François Bacon, Louise Bourgeois, Marc Chagall, David Hockney And Pablo Picassoattracted bidders from 20 countries to Strauss & Co’s annual international sale on Tuesday.

The two-part sale generated combined revenue of R24.9 million with 69 of the 97 lots sold during the evening sale (lot sale rate of 71%).

The mixed media drawing of Marc Chagall The Window in Paris (Window in Paris), 1974, fetched the highest price when it sold to a telephone bidder for R8 million.

A Determined Telephone Bidder Also Got Pablo Picasso’s Price Head (Head), a double-sided drawing from 1967, for R7.3 million, one of five works by the Spanish master sold above estimate.

Scottish painter Jack Vettriano The proposal brought in R1.6 million.

In a sale full of big names, it was the little-known Czech artist Zdenek Burian – a famous painter, book illustrator and paleoartist renowned for his depictions of prehistoric life – who has generated the greatest buzz.

Burian oil painting depicting a feathered dinosaur, Archaeopteryxattracted four telephone bidders and several online bidders and ultimately sold for R462 100. The eight Burian works on offer – three oils and five works on paper – sold well above their estimates.

Alongside Chagall and Picasso, strong awards were achieved for British painters like Merlyn Evans, Ken Howard, Sydney Nolan And John Piper.

Harrington Mann, undated Woman in an interior sold well above estimate, reaching R323 470 after 38 enthusiastic bids.

Collectors’ interest in Picasso continues.

His aquatint engraving The Painter and his Model (The Artist and His Model), 1963, one of five works by the Spanish colossus on offer, sold for R293,125 to a telephone bidder.

The international sale included a star-studded list of artists acquired by legendary Johannesburg art dealer Linda Givon (1936-2020), including editions of Jean BaldessariLouise Bourgeois and Henry Moore.

Original works on paper by Alain Davie, Mimmo Paladino And David Shrigleyalso from the Givon Collection, met or exceeded their estimates.

The works on paper were very popular throughout both sessions, with strong results achieved for the works of Pierre Bonnard And George Braque.

An artist’s proof of Francis Bacon’s intaglio and aquatint triptych Metropolitan sold for R693 150.

Five ink and gouache drawings by Zdeněk Burian during today’s sale attracted multiple bids, the two best-selling works, Apes men And Monkey in quicksand and bear wanderingattracting more than 50 bids each and selling for R152 425 each.

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