Anton van Wouw (South African, 1862-1945) The Hammer Worker 60.5 x 66 x 24cm (23 13/16 x 26 x 9 ...

Anton van Wouw (South African, 1862-1945) The Hammer Worker signed and dated 'A van Wouw/ 1911 Joh-burg' (lower right) and inscribed 'Foundry-G. Massa. Rome.' (verso) bronze 60.5 x 66 x 24cm (23 13/16 x 26 x 9 7/6in). Footnotes: Provenance The collection of Herbert Latilla of Johannesburg; By descent to the current owner. Exhibited South Africa, Rembrandt van Rijn Foundation touring exhibition, Pierneef Van Wouw; paintings and sculptures by two South African Masters, 1980-81, no. 52. (similar cast). Literature A. E. Duffey, Anton Van Wouw, The Smaller Works, (Pretoria: Protea Book House, 2008), p. 89-92 . (illustrated), (similar cast). Pierneef, Van Wouw, Paintings and sculptures by two South African Masters, (Rembrandt van Rijn Art Foundation, 1980), no. 52, (similar cast). Herbert George Latilla (1877-1949) was secretary to the famous Rand Lord Sir Abe Bailey and then became a notable figure in African mining in his own right. He was chairman and director of many African mining companies and his obituary in the Cape Times described him as the 'King of the West African Market'. The Hammer Worker is one of Anton van Wouw's most sought after subjects. The work exists in two formats - a large cast (60cm high), of which the present lot is an excellent example, and a more diminutive version (13cm high). It has been suggested that the smaller cast was created due to the wide demand; an attempt by the artist to satisfy collectors who were unable to pay the premium for the full size bronze. On close inspection, it is not difficult to see why the sculpture has aroused so much admiration over the years. It is a poignant tribute to the work ethic of the Africans working in the mines - a physical labour beset with dangers during this period. The man sits alone, hunched over in the cramped space, hammering away at the hard surface. One can also draw parallels between the miner's craft and that of the artist; both have the power to transform base materials into desirable objects through their work. Bibliography A.E. Duffey, Anton van Wouw: The Smaller Works, (Pretoria, 2008), p. 89. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing