Art and Artists of South Africa: An Illustrated Biographical Dictionary and Historical Survey of Painters, Sculptors and Graphic Artists since 1875 Author: Esmé Berman
Art and Artists of South Africa
Art and Artists of South Africa (Enlarged Collectible Gilt Hardcover)
The Essential Biographical Masterpiece and Encyclopedic Survey of South African Art
Bibliographic Specifications
- Title: Art and Artists of South Africa: An Illustrated Biographical Dictionary and Historical Survey of Painters, Sculptors and Graphic Artists since 1875
- Author: Esmé Berman
- Publisher: A.A. Balkema, Cape Town / Rotterdam
- Publication Date: 1983 (New Updated and Enlarged Edition)
- ISBN-10: 0869611445
- Edition Details: Updated and Enlarged Second Edition Cycle. The undisputed bible for identifying and valuing fine art within Southern Africa.
- Binding: Deluxe publisher’s deep navy-blue cloth-bound boards featuring an elegant gilt-stamped emblem and bright spine lettering.
- Physical Format: Large Quarto (4to), comprehensive encyclopedic volume enriched with monochrome and color plate registries.
- Language: English.
Official Condition Report
- The Book: Very Good (VG)
- Exterior / Boards: The dark navy cloth covers and book are square, crisp, and structurally sound. The gilt emblem and spine titling remain completely bright and unrubbed.
- Interior: Very Good. Text block edges are clean, internal page signatures are tightly bound, and sheets are free from dealer pencil markings or margins highlights.
- The Dust Jacket: Not Applicable / Missing (Offered without jacket as noted)
Synopsis & Historical Value
Balkema’s 1983 expanded edition stands as a monumental historical directory of fine art in South Africa. It cross-references every notable painter, graphic designer, and sculptor from 1875 onward, providing foundational career chronologies, exhibition registers, and stylistic histories that remain essential for gallery curators and auction houses today.
Author Profile: Esmé Berman
Esmé Berman (1929–2017) was South Africa's foremost art historian, critic, and museologist. Her meticulous research single-handedly organized the cataloging of South African art history, earning her life fellowships and honorary doctorates.
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