This book provide insight into an important period in the development of art at the Cape and the work of Nita Spilhaus.The period 1910 to 1930 was an important stage in the development of Cape Impressionism. At the time, a small group of European-trained painters were struggling to adapt their palettes to capture the indigenous light and colours of the Cape.While much has been written on artists such as Irma Stern and Maggie Laubser - this is the first major account of the life and art of Nita Spilhaus, and it provides a new perspective on her circle of artist friends. In this authoritative survey, the author (a great-nephew of Nita Spilhaus) captures the atmosphere of the time. He draws on the characterful diaries of the cartoonist, D.C. Boonzaier, and contemporary anecdotes about Nita's contemporaries, their studios, exhibitions and social gatherings. Most importantly, he provides a lens through which readers may look closely at the paintings and their detail. The book includes 123 photographs, including 50 colour plates of Nita Spilhaus's work.
