Top five expensive African artworks at a major international art auction

While some pieces did not attract buyers at the auction, here is a list of the most expensive contemporary African artworks.

When Ethiopian-born artist Julie Mehretu set a new record for an African-born artist with her painting, Walkers with the Dawn and Morning, the price ($10.38m or Shs33.3b) trumpeted a growing interest in African contemporary art.

Prices at a Sothebys auction in London on September 27 appear to confirm the trend, with notable works by African artists such as Ben Enwonwu on sale and some works reaching higher than anticipated prices.

The auction also offered work by South African-born artist Irma Stern, as well as outstanding works by a number of artists who appeared at this year’s Venice Biennale, including Elias Sime, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, William Kentridge, Gerard Sekoto, Esther Mahlangu, Uche Okeke and others.

While some pieces did not attract buyers at the auction, here is a list of the 10 most expensive contemporary African artworks featured at the Sothebys London auction, according to the auction website.

1. Lady of the Harem by Irma Stern

Irma Stern’s Lady of the Harem, an oil on canvas from 1946, is a striking depiction of a Zanzibari woman in traditional attire, with henna patterns subtly hinted on her hands and feet. According to Sothebys.com, the painting captures the "intricate cultural rituals within harems, including adornment with gold and henna, reflective of women's limited agency and status in post-slavery Zanzibar". Strauss Art's website shows that it was acquired from Roza van Gelderen around 1950, and has remained in private hands. Stern’s work, conveys the layered histories of Zanzibar and its women. The artwork's target price was in the range of £600,000 ($666,900 or Shs2.4b) to £800,000 ($889,200 or Shs3.3b) but the piece fetched more than £960,000 (over $1.2m or or Shs4.4b). This is the highest result at an African Art auction for the last three years, according to the organisers.

2. Nigerian Beauty by Ben Enwonwu

Ben Enwonwu's Nigerian Beauty (1959) is a striking oil painting that captures both the elegance and the symbolism of a nation on the verge of independence. According to Google Arts and Culture, the artwork was painted just before Nigeria gained independence in 1960, reflecting the pride, optimism, and emerging identity of the country. The anticipated price range for the artwork at the auction ranged between £100,000 and £150,000 ($111,150 and $166,725) with the final price reaching the upper end of the scale, at £144000 (more than $192,000 or Shs708m).

3. The Emir in Council by Ben Enwonwu

The Emir in Council (1945-1959) is also a recent discovery artwork and the oil work captures a pivotal moment in Nigeria's transition from colonial rule to independence. The artwork depicts the Emir of Kano presiding over his council, juxtaposed with British colonial officers, highlighting the complex power dynamics of the era, according to artnet.net. Enwonwu's masterful blend of Western techniques and African aesthetics reflects his role in shaping Nigeria's cultural identity. This piece’s value was estimated to range between £70,000 - £90,000 ($77,805 and $100,035). It fetched £90,000 at the auction.

4. Tightrope: Split In Half, 2017 by Elias Sime

Elias Sime's Tightrope: Split In Half (2017) utilises reclaimed electronic components, showcasing the artist's innovative use of e-waste sourced from Addis Ababa's Minalesh Tera Market. According to the Wellin Museum of Art, this piece, part of the Tightrope series, reflects Sime's belief in the stories embedded in discarded materials, highlighting themes of global interdependence and the impact of technology on society. Its value was estimated at between £70,000 and £90,000 ($77,805 and $100,035) and the piece sold for £72,000 or Shs337m).

5. Tightrope: Squeezed In, 2017 by Elias Sime

Part of the Tightrope series, this work again challenges perceptions of e-waste and prompts reflection on the delicate balance between technological advancement and its societal effects, according to Sotherby’s. It’s value was also set at £70,000 - £90,000. The piece was not sold at the auction.