Mimi Coertze

Mimi Coertze sketch 1949 15x12

Size: 12″ x 15″, 30cm x 38cm
Date: circa 1949
Media: Pencil on paper
Where: Cape town, South Africa
Signature: Unsigned
Currently: Family collection

My best guess is this is a drawing of Mimi Coertze, a very famous soprano opera singer from South Africa. You can read about her illustrious career in the Mimi Coertze Wikipedia article.

Drawn very early in her professional life, I think it is very striking and I’m not sure if the “bedroom eyes” depicted are an accurate rendition or a device to add a more sophisticated period look to complement the sculptured eyebrows popular at that time. Below, I have added one of the few publicity stills that doesn’t show her with a broad smile.

Mimi Coertze publicity still
Mimi Coertze publicity still


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