Irma Stern (South African, 1894-1966)Portrait of an Indian woman
signed and dated 'Irma Stern/ 1945' (upper right)
watercolour
37 x 29.5cm (14 9/16 x 11 5/8in).(excluding frame).
mounted in artist's original raffia frame.注脚Provenance
Collection of Mr. Harold Hanson (1904-1973).
By direct descent.

Harold Hanson was one of the most highly regarded lawyers practicing in South Africa in the 1950s and 60s. He studied at the University of Witwatersrand and was called to the bar in 1926.

Harold was a fervent advocate for civil liberty and on a number of occasions agreed to defend the accused without a fee. He was best known for his contribution to the Rivonia Trial in June 1964, in which he argued mitigation for Nelson Mandela and nine other men who had been accused of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the State.

It was during this trial that Harold established a friendship with the young advocate, Sydney Kentridge. Kentridge later acknowledged the importance of the older man's guidance, crediting him as an invaluable mentor:

"Harold was one of the most extraordinary advocates I have ever heard in any court. It is not easy to anyalze or even describe the essence of his brilliance. His performance in court was in every case based on meticulous preparation...yet it was always delivered with spontaneous eloquence which gripped the listener. He was always able to command the interest, if not the sympathy, of the judges."

Harold Hanson also had a keen appreciation for the arts. This painting was acquired by him along with another gouache by Irma Stern (lot 29) circa 1950s, and has been in the family's collection ever since.