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Nelson Mandela
The Courtyard - Nelson Mandela, South African, inspiration, Robben Island, hope

2003

About the Item

Nelson Mandela, The Courtyard, Signed Limited Edition Lithograph Many people are unaware that Nelson Mandela turned his hand to art in his 80's as a way of leaving a legacy for his family. He spent time with an art tutor and learnt to draw. In this piece Mandela has drawn the courtyard that his cell looked onto on Robben Island. It was a grim wasteland where he was eventually able to cultivate vegetables which he, cut off from his family, took special pleasure in nourishing. In this piece, Nelson Mandela has drawn The Courtyard on Robben Island. This piece comes in 3 parts. The Colour Lithograph, the Motivation and the Photograph. The colour lithograph bears Nelson Mandela's pencil signature, whilst the signature on the motivation is printed from the plate. The photograph has been signed in pencil by the photographer, Grant Warren. The Artist’s Motivation reads: “The courtyard in Robben Island was an unfriendly, empty and barren place. It was a sombre reminder of where I was. From the beginning of my imprisonment I asked to start a garden in the courtyard, to change this sad looking place. After years of refusing my request, we were finally given permission to plant a small garden on a narrow patch of earth against a wall. Being able to plant and nourish life in this prison courtyard offered me a sense of freedom and satisfaction that is hard to put into words even today. A garden is one of the few things in prison that one could control. A powerful memory that I have is of a beautiful tomato plant that I coaxed from tiny seed to tender seedling to a strong plant that gave plump bright red juicy tomatoes. Despite my efforts the plant began to wither and die and nothing I did would heal it. When it died I took it carefully from the soil, washed its roots and buried it in a corner of the garden. I felt sad. It once again reminded me of where I was, and the hopeless mess I felt at being unable to nourish other relationships in my life. My wife, my children, my family and my friends. It made me realise the beauty, simplicity and sacred value of family, of loved ones or friends. I swore to myself that I would never take another human being, their friendship or their love for granted ever again.” An edition of 350 lithographs was launched on Robben Island in 2003.
  • Creator:
    Nelson Mandela (1918 - 2013)
  • Creation Year:
    2003
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)Width: 20.08 in (51 cm)Depth: 1.58 in (4 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Knowle Lane, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: The Courtyard1stDibs: LU120714348701
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