The Department of Prints and Drawings is responsible for the care and acquisition of all works on paper. For prudent financial reasons over the years, there has been an emphasis on acquiring more affordable works on paper by many international and local artists. This has resulted in this collection being the strongest, largest and most diverse within Iziko Art Collections, with over 1712 drawings and 3600 prints excluding the Sekoto Study collection.
All drawing media, except silver-point, are represented and all types of print media are covered in its holdings. The early historical prints include examples by Martin Schongauer, Michael Wohlgemnut and Albrecht Dürer. All the major South African printmakers are well represented. There are particularly strong collections of prints by Jacob Pierneef, Cecil Skotnes and of artists who trained at Rorke’s Drift like Azaria Mbatha, Eric Mbatha, John Muafangejo and Cyprian Shilakoe. Contemporary printmakers like Peter Clarke, William Kentridge, Andrew Verster and Diane Victor are well represented. The collection is not strong in 19th century South African prints and drawings, although there are very good examples of works by Thomas Bowler, Abraham de Smidt and Heinrich Wilhelm Hermann. Cartoonists and artists who specialised in caricatures from D C Boonzaier and Wim Muller through to William Papas, David Marais, John H Jackson, Derek Bauer and Jonathan Shapiro extend the breadth and scope of the collection. In 2000 the National Gallery was fortunate enough to receive a donation from the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology of over 2500 items from the estate of Gerard Sekoto. This donation has augmented significantly the collection of South African drawings which includes, amongst many others, examples of major drawings by Dumile Feni, Gladys Mgudlandlu, Billy Mandindi, Leonard Matsoso, Helen Sebidi and Karel Nel.
There is also a sizeable collection of early 20th century British prints and drawings mainly as a result of a significant donation of prints from the British Government. All of the prints that were donated are lithographs and include works by notable artists such as George Clausen, Eric Kennington and C. R. W Nevinson. A feature of the early 20th century British collection is the 90 etchings and lithographs by Frank Brangwyn which were donated by the artist. There is a small, but choice, collection of French 19th century works by artists such as Charles Daubigny, Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot and Eugéne Delaxcroix. A large and representative collection of lithographs by Honoré Daumier is of particular importance.
There is a significant selection of Japanese Ukiyo-ye prints, with fine examples by all the major Ukiyo-ye artists such as Utamaro, Hiroshige and Hokusai. During the first half of the 1980s it was possible to collect prints by international artists and there are examples of works by, amongst others, Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, Jasper Johns and Jörg Immendorff. There is superb and comprehensive selection of sporting drawings and prints, as well as some fine portrait and landscape prints and drawings from the Sir Abe Bailey Bequest. The collection of sporting prints and drawings is one of the best outside of Britain and the United States. All the major artists who produced prints and drawings in this genre such as the Henry Alken, William Howitt, George Hunt and William Woollett are well represented.
In terms of a collection strategy and future acquisitions, there is now a strong and dedicated focus on contemporary drawing and printmaking. To this end, works by Mongezi Ncaphayi, Alexandra Karakashian, David Koloane and Zyma Amien have been acquired.
Contact details:
Researcher / Curator: Andrea Lewis
alewis@iziko.org.za
Collections Manager: Sameer Sirkhoth
ssirkhorth@iziko.org.za
Iziko South African Museum
General Enquiries
Tel: +27 (0)21 481 3800
Fax: +27 (0)21 481 3993
Email: info@iziko.org.za
Media enquiries and press releases
Zikhona Jafta
Tel: +27 (0)21 481 3838
Fax: +27 (0)21 461 9620
Email: mediaofficer@iziko.org.za
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Dear Visitors,
Please note that the Iziko South African Museum will close to the public at 14:00 on Thursday, 13 March 2025, in preparation for the The bicentenary of the South African Museum – a reflection on 200 years of ISAM’s existence.
Thank you for your consideration.
Looking forward to your future visits.
Iziko Management
Dear Visitors,
Please be advised that all Iziko Museums of South Africa sites will close at 13:00 on Monday, 10 March 2025, for a staff activation for the The bicentenary of the South African Museum – a reflection on 200 years of ISAM’s existence.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Iziko Management
Dear Visitor
Please be advised that the Iziko South African National Gallery, will open at 12:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
We look forward to welcoming you to experience the exhibition:
Sue Williamson: There’s something I must tell you, a retrospective.
Regards
Iziko Museums of South Africa
Dear Visitors,
Please note that all Iziko Museums will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, 25 December 2024 and
will reopen to the public on Thursday, 26 December 2024.
Additionally, Iziko Bertram House and Iziko Koopmans De Wet will remain closed on Thursday,
26 December 2024.
Wishing you peace and joy over the festive season.
Thank you
Iziko Management
Dear Visitor
Please be advised that the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum will be closed on Thursday, 01 August 2024 due to a power maintenance affecting the entire area.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Iziko Management
Dear Visitor
Iziko Museums’ Winter Operating Hours Update.
Please be advised that the weekend(SAT and SUN) operating hours have been adjusted.
The museums will open operate from 08h30 to 16h00 on weekends during winter.
Saturdays from 08h30 to 16h00
Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium, Iziko South African National Gallery,
Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum and Iziko Slave Lodge.
Sundays from 08h30 to 16h00
Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium and Iziko South African National Gallery.
By order
Iziko Management.
Dear Visitor
Please be advised that the Iziko South African National Gallery, will open at 12:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
We look forward to welcoming you to experience the exhibition:
Sue Williamson: There’s something I must tell you, a retrospective.
Regards
Iziko Museums of South Africa