Spring Fever
by
Michael Sarjeant
6 September 2024
Michael Sarjeant (19 May 1933 - 11 Oct 2014), shown for the first time, posthumously, in 2019 at Art Lovers 1932.
Sarjeant experimented with a variety of approaches, the brush strokes often richly applied, but occasionally delicate and clean, many works strongly reminiscent of Chagall and the interiors of Van Gogh. On occasion suggesting a secret surrealist, perhaps an early Miró, the manipulated scale of Yves Tanguy.
Two hundred and twenty-four paintings left behind and fifty-eight drawings, the only remaining record of his thoughts and yearnings, his solitary and reclusive epilogue, his loneliness complete after the passing of his wife.
As Gustav Klimt said: 'Whoever wants to know something about me... ought to look carefully at my pictures.'
"Hodgins managed to get a grant of £20 a year from the Walls Sausage Trust, which was sufficient to supply paint and equipment for both himself and his friend, Michael Sarjeant, a young student considered by (John) Mansbridge the most brilliant at Goldsmith since Graham Sutherland."
Elizabeth Rankin (1986) 'Biographical Notes Based on Reminiscences of the Artist,' in Robert Hodgins: Images 1953-1986
Michael (Kirkman) Sarjeant was born in London, which is also where he studied at the School of Art at the University of London. He received his National Diploma in Design, with painting, special level, in 1953. According to John Mansbridge, his senior lecturer, 'he proved himself an artist of exceptional ability and achievement'.
It was also in London where he met his South African wife, Mary Gabrielle - Gaby, Gaye or Gub Gub to Michael - a fellow student of the arts. After their marriage they returned to Waterkloof in Pretoria, where Gaby hailed from, and where they remained for the rest of their lives.
Michael lectured at the University of Pretoria for a period of time, 'fully capable of teaching classes in Drawing, Painting, Modelling, The History of Art and Architecture, and allied subjects', as his senior lecturer commended.
Etna Foxcroft met Michael and Gaby Sarjeant in her capacity as financial advisor, and by this time Michael has already become reclusive and agoraphobic, and Etna had to consult with them at their house instead of in her office. When Gaby, still Michael's muse and anchor, his beloved and friend, passed away, he called Etna early in the morning and said: 'I don't know who to call. I don't know what to do.' Etna, with the help of Michael's neighbour, Flip Klopper, became his lifeline to the world outside. She did his shopping and everything else required beyond his hermitic existence. He never left his house again until he died alone and childless in 2014, leaving all his artworks to Etna.
Michael Sarjeant
"Two nudes with mermaid hair"
2013
Oil on canvas
60cm x 75cm
R 3 600
SOLD
Michael Sarjeant
"Artist and nude"
2013
Oil on canvas
60cm x 45cm
R 1 900
SOLD
Michael Sarjeant
"Kiss"
2013
Oil on canvas
50cm x 50cm
R 1 900
SOLD
Michael Sarjeant
"The blue bed"
2007
Oil on board
60cm x 50cm
Unframed
R 2 100
SOLD
Michael Sarjeant
"Red and Blue II"
2013
Oil on canvas
50cm x 50cm
R 1 900
SOLD
Michael Sarjeant
"Blue Tornado"
2011
Oil on board
70cm x 60cm
Unframed
R 3 200
SOLD
Michael Sarjeant
"Lifebuoy"
2012
Oil on canvas
50cm x 50cm
Unframed
R 1 900
SOLD
Michael Sarjeant
"Golden girl"
2014
Oil on canvas
50cm x 50cm
R 1 800
SOLD
Michael Sarjeant
"Michael, Jezebel and the donkey"
2013
Oil on canvas
50cm x 50cm
R 1 800
SOLD
Michael Sarjeant
"Girl with broken bird"
2012
Oil on canvas
76cm x 61cm
R 3 500
SOLD
Thank you
for joining us,
we hope you
enjoyed
the work!
All the artworks are for sale.
If you are interested in purchasing any of the works, please email us at
artlovers1932@gmail.com
or click for purchase enquiry below any specific artwork
The prices exclude shipping
and arrangements can be made for paying off any purchases, interest free, over a reasonable period of time.
