Gerard Sekoto (South African, 1913-1993) View of Paris, La Seine signed and dated 'G Sekoto/ 59' (lower right) oil on canvas 48.5 x 59.5cm (19 1/8 x 23 7/16in). Footnotes: Provenance A private collection, France. When Sekoto first arrived in Paris in 1947, he was confronted by a bleak prospect. It was the depths of winter, and the artist spoke no French. After two weeks, he finally obtained a job playing the piano at a bar-restaurant on Rue du Sommerard. This source of income allowed him to enrol in drawing classes at the la Grande Chaumiere. The early years in Paris were a time of loneliness for the artist, homesick for the warmth of his birthplace. However, he gradually became accustomed to the French language and began to feel more at ease in the local bistros, where he would make quick sketches of the patrons. As his draftsmanship became more confident, he began to make drawings in the street. This view of the Seine is a wonderful example of one of the artist's plein air impressions. Although Sekoto still returned to South African themes and subjects, by 1959 he was increasingly acquainted with Parisian habits and the geography of the city. This oil sketch has a dreamy, tranquil beauty, that communicates the artist's greater inner peace. Bibliography B. Lindop, Gerard Sekoto, (Randburg, 1988), pp.26-36. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com