Highlights from the University of Pretoria Museum Collections

A distinguished selection of South African art, ceramics and sculpture

Giraffe (1995) by Kunyanda ShikamoOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

An Introduction

The University of Pretoria has one of the most comprehensive art, ceramics and sculpture collections in South Africa. From prehistoric  to contemporary 21st century collections, these are unique, diverse and exceptional, as past and present institutional living archives.

Zulu Girl (1990) by Sello Lucas MalemaneOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

The UP Art Collection

The University of Pretoria has a remarkable 20th century and modern art collection of over 2 500 artworks, and an active acquisition programme. Signature and seminal works by South African artists are curated and conserved to continue this 110-year university tradition.    

Elephants River (1945) by Hendrik PierneefOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Elephants River, 1945 by JH Pierneef

The University of Pretoria has a distinguished collection of works by JH Pierneef (1886-1957). Arguably, he remains one of Africa's great landscape masters. His adoration of the uninhabited and monumental views of typical landscapes and cloud formations is evident in his work.

Trees in a Drift (1927) by Hendrik PierneefOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Trees in a Drift- 1927

 “... Bury me under the camel thorn tree with its masculine features above and its roots deep in Africa’s soil”.  JH Pierneef

Wild Fig Tree (1930) by Hendrik PierneefOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Wild Fig Tree, 1930 by JH Pierneef

Wild Fig Tree  also titled, "Tree of the Bushveld" is truly iconic of the bushveld scenes and other landscapes of which Pierneef was very fond. The presence of trees and his fascination with them began at an early age, while exploring the bushveld near his home in the Transvaal Highveld, today known as Gauteng. He was particularly fond of various tree species, how the trunks, branches and leaves contributed to the forms against the backdrop of summer storm clouds. Pierneef managed to capture the South African landscape in a unique way that no other artist could.

Harlequins Homage to Guernica (1987) by Christo CoetzeeOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Harlequins Homage to Guernica, 1987

Another iconic art collection of the University of Pretoria is  by bequest of the South African artist, Christo Coetzee (1929-2000) of 193 works. Through his interpretation and brilliant mind, Coetzee’s work Harlequins homage to the Guernica pays homage to Picasso’s Guernica

Student of Genetics (1979) by Christo CoetzeeOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Student of Genetics, 1979

This work reflects a common subject in Coetzee's work: the female portrait. Depicting pearls, flowers, bridal attire and pendants themed along the lines of love through an avant-garde and unconventional style. 

Bust of Sisyphus II (1982) by Christo CoetzeeOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Bust of Sisyphus II, 1982

Bust of Sisyphus depicts a portrait of the ancient Greek king Sisyphus, who was punished by Zeus. Coetzee's  claimed this painting reflected on the "maddening effect of art", a reflection  and criticism of the hubristic images artists and art historians of the time had of themselves.

Blikkiesdorp (1940) by Gregoire BoonzaierOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Blikkiesdorp, 1940

This work, titled in Afrikaans as "Blikkiesdorp" (1940) or squatter camp, is by the South African artist Gregoire Boonzaier (1909-2005). Boonzaier is seen as the father of Cape Impressionism, a local stylistic form related to the western Impressionism school. His artworks range from still life paintings, landscapes and portraits. Along with artists Walter Battiss, Lippy Lipschitz, Frieda Lock and Terence McCaw. Boonzaier was a founder of the New Group in 1938 and his subject matter often contributed to the struggle against apartheid.  

Boy with Bird (1950) by Walter BattissOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Boy with Bird, 1950 by Walter Battiss

The University has a few works by Walter Battiss (1902-1982), a great contributor to our art history. He described himself, as a "first neo-primitive in South Africa" and claimed that, “Art is a virus, which, having taken hold, is difficult to get out of the system”.  

Ardmore rabbit and eagle tureen (2004) by Vusi Ntshalintshali & Zinhle NeneOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

The UP Ceramic Collection

With one of the largest ceramic collections in South Africa, the University of Pretoria has stewardship of ceramics from around the world. Dating from the neolithic times to the present, from east, to west to African ceramics- they are celebrated in any form, shape and size.

Ardmore zebra teapot (2004) by Vusi Ntshalintshali & Jabu NeneOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Ardmore Zebra Teapot, 2004

A glazed earthenware teapot with vibrant colour and zebra pattern created by the artist Vusi Ntshalintshali. Internationally renowned Ardmore Art Ceramics are South Africa's most recognisable contemporary studio brand with roots in the KwaZulu Natal midlands. 

Aloe Vase (2009) by Margot RudolphOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Aloe Vase, 2009

Aloe Vase
Margot Rudolph
Stoneware
538mm x 440mm

Flora-Ann ware globular vase (1951/1972) by Flora AnnOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Flora-Anne Globular Vase

South African Studio Ceramic
Johannesburg, ca. 1960
Flora-Anne Ware (1951-1972) Glazed Earthenware
120mm 98mm

Ukhamba series jar (2011) by Nic SitholeOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Gourd-Shaped Decorative Vessel, 2016

Nic Sithole
South African ceramicist
Pretoria, Mamelodi
High-fired earthenware
690mm x 480 mm  

Venda four-spouted pot (1975) by VendaOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Venda Four-Spouted Globular Brewing Vessel

Low-fired earthenware, ca. 1975. Venda pots are traditionally finished with red ochre pigment and burnished graphite. They are hand-coiled and pit fired. Traditional ceramics such as these can date back to the 14th and 15th century.  

Crescent ware black decorative crane vase (1952/1992) by Crecent PotteriesOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Crescent Potteries Crane Vase

Crescent Potteries (1952-1992)
Slip-cast earthenware
51mm x 120mm

Lucia ware black bottle jar (1945/1950) by Boksburg East PotteriesOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Lucia Ware Black Bottle Handle Jar

South African Studio Ceramic
Lucia Ware, 1945-1950
Glazed earthenware
110mm x 90mm

Back and Forth (2018) by Viola GreylingOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Back and Forth, 2017


Set of seven hand--painted vases
Viola Greyling
Earthenware
600mm x 1500mm x 250mm  

Bird Catcher (1880/1885) by Anton van WouwOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

The UP Sculpture Collection

The University of Pretoria sculpture collection is one of the largest and most diverse at any university in South Africa. The oldest work dates back to 1881 and is complimented with over 400 other modern works. Beyond the walls of the galleries, the museum also features  a unique public sculpture route.

King Khama III (1925) by Anton van WouwOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

King Khama III, 1925

Portrait of King Khama (1837-1923)
by Anton van Wouw (1862-1945)

Nude Dancer (1932/1939) by Fanie EloffOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Nude Dancer, 1932

Fanie Eloff (1885-1947)
Bronze
610mm

Hunter Drinking Water (1919) by Anton van WouwOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Hunter Drinking Water, 1919

Anton van Wouw (1862-1945)
Bronze
440mm

The Boxer (1912) by Fanie EloffOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

The Boxer, 1912

Fanie Eloff (1884-1947)
Bronze

Love's Anguish (1929) by Fanie EloffOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Love's Anguish, 1929

Fanie Eloff (1885-1947)
Carrara Marble
360mm

Leopard Attacking A Man (1990) by Johannes MaswanganyiOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Leopard Attacking a Man, 1990

Johannes Maswanganyi (b.1949)
Painted wood
1500mm x 600mm  

A Cloak as a Dagger (2016) by Avi SoofulOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

A Cloak as a Dagger, 2016

Avitha Sooful (b. 1964)
Wood (Silver Oak) & barbed wire
800mm x 480mm 

Burning Man (2009) by Anton SmitOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums

Burning Man, 2009

Anton Smit (b. 1945)
Metal
2350mm x 1700mm x 600mm  

Credits: Story

Content Produced and Curated by: Sian Tiley-Nel Copyright University of Pretoria Museums
Curators: Gerard de Kamper and Lelani Nicolaisen
University of Pretoria.
Photography: Thania Louw Art2Motion
Art Conservator: Sandra Markgraaf

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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