Art Around The World

South Africa

Background

During the 1800s to early 1900s, South Africa saw intense British colonization , the Dutch-speaking Boers' inland migration , and the exploitation of minerals, culminating in the 1910 Union of South Africa. This period was defined by European land dispossession, missionary activity, and wars that dismantled indigenous authority and established white minority rule.

Top Artist During This Time Period

Anton van Wouw

Large display for art from Anton van Wouw

Anton van Wouw (1862–1945) is widely recognized as the "father of South African sculpture" and the preeminent artist of the late 1800s and early 1900s. A Dutch-born artist, he defined the era with naturalistic bronze portraits of Boer leaders, women, and indigenous people, including subjects like Shangaan men, establishing formal representational sculpture in the country.



Ivan Mitford-Barberton

Large display for art from Ivan Mitford-Barberton

Ivan Mitford-Barberton(1896–1976) Born in 1896 in Somerset East in the Cape Colony, Ivan Mitford-Barberton was a descendant of 1820 Settler families and the grandson of the naturalist Mary Elizabeth Barber; he was educated at St Andrew's College Grahamstown and moved to Kenya in 1912, where exposure to African and Arab subjects influenced his work. Although slightly later than the earliest generation of South African sculptors, he remained closely connected to the early 20th century, was influenced by Anton van Wouw, and became known for his portrait busts and public monuments.



James Butler

Large display for art from James Butler

James Butler (1847–1930) While not South African by birth, he played an important role in South Africa’s sculptural landscape during the late 1800s. He created several major public monuments in the country, especially in Cape Town. One of his most notable works is the statue of Cecil Rhodes at Rhodes Memorial. His style reflects British academic sculpture, which heavily influenced public art in colonial South Africa.

Previous: Japan Next: Quiz