From celebrated modern masters to compelling contemporary voices, Strauss & Co’s August Online Auctions invite collectors to discover exceptional works that reflect the richness and diversity of South African art. Running throughout August, the carefully curated sales offer opportunities for both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers to acquire museum-quality works and emerging treasures.
Strauss & Co, Africa’s leading art auction house, has unveiled its August Online Auctions, presenting three carefully curated online sales that celebrate South Africa’s artistic heritage while showcasing the country’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Running from 27 July through 19 August 2026, the programme brings together works by established masters, contemporary artists and historically significant collections, offering accessible entry points for new collectors alongside exceptional acquisitions for experienced buyers.
Three Distinctive Auctions
This year’s August programme features three online sales, each offering a unique collecting opportunity.
August ART – Modern and Contemporary Art
27 July – 17 August 2026
The flagship August ART sale presents a diverse selection of modern and contemporary artworks, including a specially curated session featuring works exhibited by Strauss & Co during the 2026 Heat Winter Arts Festival. Alongside these featured works, the auction includes paintings, sculpture and mixed-media pieces by some of South Africa’s most respected artists.
Running the Rule: Works on Paper from the Walter Battiss Estate
27 July – 18 August 2026
One of the programme’s highlights is Running the Rule, a dedicated sale celebrating the remarkable legacy of Walter Battiss, one of South Africa’s most influential modern artists.
Featuring works on paper from the Battiss Estate, together with prints produced at the renowned Rorke’s Drift Art Centre, the auction offers collectors an opportunity to acquire works connected to one of the country’s most important artistic legacies.
Patchwork: A Selection of Overlooked Pictures
27 July – 19 August 2026
Completing the programme is Patchwork, a thoughtfully assembled selection of overlooked artworks that encourages collectors to discover hidden gems beyond the traditional spotlight. The sale reflects Strauss & Co’s commitment to making art collecting both accessible and rewarding across a broad range of price points.
Making Art Collecting More Accessible
While Strauss & Co is internationally recognised for presenting museum-quality masterpieces and record-breaking auctions, the August Online Auctions have been designed to appeal to collectors at every stage of their journey.
Accessible estimates across many lots provide an inviting entry point for first-time buyers, while experienced collectors will find exceptional opportunities to strengthen their collections with historically significant and contemporary works.
The online format also allows collectors from across South Africa and around the world to participate with ease, reflecting the growing global interest in African art.
Celebrating South Africa’s Artistic Legacy
As international demand for African art continues to grow, Strauss & Co remains at the forefront of introducing important South African artists to a wider audience while preserving the legacies of the country’s cultural pioneers.
Whether exploring the visionary works of Walter Battiss, discovering emerging contemporary talent or investing in established names, the August programme offers a compelling snapshot of South Africa’s evolving artistic landscape.
With bidding closing between 17 and 19 August 2026, collectors have a limited opportunity to explore one of the season’s most significant online art programmes.
