Despite Bethal being situated in the wellIt is indeed a privilege enjoyed at Bethal to known, scenic Eastern Transvaal, the town cannot yet boast breath-taking scenery as other towns in the regions. Indeed, were it not for the ornamental trees planted on the farms in previous years, this section would have strongly reminded of Free State. Yet this otherwise monotonous landscape and uninteresting; produced great spirits, both of mind and art. Would it be simply a coincidence that Bethal during its Centenary celebrations can pay tribute to five artists who not only locally but also acquired overseas celebrity? Is it a coincidence that three of the five sculptors grew up in Bethal? Bethal today boasts five well-known and successful artists earning honourable mention in this commemorative album. Coert Steynberg The best proof of the success achieved by Coert Lourens Stenberg is the fact that he needed no introduction. This humble and nice “Uncle Coert”, amongst others, received an honorary medal of the Academy of Science and Arts; a medal from the Queen of England, as well as an honorary doctorate from the University of Pretoria. Bethal is sincerely proud that Coert Steynberg had spent his youth in Bethal. Coert Steynberg is best known for his numerous portraits of national figures. Hand in hand with this, are the decoration of public buildings and the design of monuments. Under his chest of portraits count that of Sir Arnold Theiler, Louw Wepener and Jan F E Cilliers. Other famous statues are that of General Lous Botha and General Christiaan de Wet. Apart from the many tasks he performed, he has completed a large number of sculptures and representations in more impressionist and modern styles. The rich varieties of sculptures were created in many kinds of materials: bronze, granite, marble, sandstone, wood, glass and other metals. In his later works he brought movement. Here one can think of Mabalel-series. It all began on the side of Blesbokspruit, where the first B*** (Khoisan) figurine was made from clay when Coert Steynberg was not yet ten years old! The familiar image in front of OTK head office, as well as the one of Colonel Imker Hoogenhout in front of P F Kruger-Hall was also shaped by the hand of Coert Steynberg. With the opening of Volkskas, Coert Steynberg’s work was brought, in more abstract form. 111 Coert Steybert show these set of artworks.
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