--- title: "Art for South Africa: The Mimi Coertse Collection" description: "Mimi Coertse, famed opera singer, is universally known as ‘The Voice for South Africa’, a title she earned in the 1950s, 60s and 70s when she indefatigably sang the most famous soprano roles on international opera house stages, defying the global cultural boycott against South Africa at the time. Few know that she was also an avid art collector. Her voice exemplified the misfortunes of many well-known female roles in the best-loved operas: the perturbation of Lucia; the despair of Norma; the sorrow of Konstanze; the dirge of Violetta." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "Sponsored Content" author: "Strauss & Co" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/strauss-and-co/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-16-art-for-south-africa-the-mimi-coertse-collection/" published: "2025-07-16T15:43:23" updated: "2025-07-18T11:27:11" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 415 --- # Art for South Africa: The Mimi Coertse Collection > Mimi Coertse, famed opera singer, is universally known as ‘The Voice for South Africa’, a title she earned in the 1950s, 60s and 70s when she indefatigably sang the most famous soprano roles on international opera house stages, defying the global cultural boycott against South Africa at the time. Few know that she was also an avid art collector. Her voice exemplified the misfortunes of many well-known female roles in the best-loved operas: the perturbation of Lucia; the despair of Norma; the sorrow of Konstanze; the dirge of Violetta. By Strauss & Co · Published 16 July 2025, 17:43 SAST · Updated 18 July 2025, 13:27 SAST ## Key points - Mimi Coertse, a global opera sensation and South African cultural icon, not only serenaded the world from grand stages but also curated an art collection that champions women artists, all while using her voice to uplift a new nation—proving that true artistry transcends both music and canvas. - Renowned soprano Mimi Coertse captivated global audiences, performing in 29 operas across prestigious venues worldwide. - Her art collection features prominent women artists, including Maud Sumner, and reflects her deep appreciation for female creativity. - After returning to South Africa, Coertse played a vital role in promoting opportunities for diverse singers and engaging with Afrikaans literature. - The upcoming auction of her art collection celebrates South African creativity and follows a showcase of contemporary ceramics, highlighting the nation’s artistic innovation. ## Content All these and many more captured audiences all over the world. She sang in no fewer than 29 operas in her lifetime, on world stages in Austria – her favourite, the Viennese Opera House – Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Spain, England, France, Hungary and the United States. ![Cecil Higs](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/BwtyZvcCMVmQTJMPkNacKN7yC7U=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cecil-Higs.jpg) *Cecil Higgs* ![Irma Stern](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/01CgmJgwOovT7KFozxhCGnPpkxA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ima.png) *Irma Stern* ![Maud Sumner](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/erOhpW5PRBqV_A-BENCeLOJSn2Y=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Maud-.jpg) *Maud Sumner* Small wonder that Mimi’s taste in art reflects a proclivity for women artists: [Cecil Higgs](https://www.straussart.co.za/auctions/lot/402-22-jul-2025/130), [Irma](https://www.straussart.co.za/auctions/lot/402-22-jul-2025/129)[Stern](https://www.straussart.co.za/auctions/lot/402-22-jul-2025/129), [Maud Sumner](https://www.straussart.co.za/auctions/lot/402-22-jul-2025/133), and Marjorie Wallace, certainly her favourites. The Sumner, the jewel in the crown of her art collection, dating from the artist’s most fruitful sojourn in Paris in the 1930s, 40s, and early 50s, depicts Sumner’s typical subject matter of the time: intimate interiors with a model surrounded by an abundant flower still-life on the table in front of her. Other notables in the Mimi Coertse collection include such artists as [Walter Battiss](https://www.straussart.co.za/auctions/lot/402-22-jul-2025/135), Carl Büchner, W.H. Coetzer, and[Maurice van Essche](https://www.straussart.co.za/auctions/lot/402-22-jul-2025/134). ![Maurice van Essche](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/cj6stymaN-zbgvFpmdl_EiuxJNc=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Maurice.jpg) *Maurice* ![Walter Battiss](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/dMHFRst5DzLTVopOa9Krk-ThqpM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Walter.jpg) *Walter* After Mimi’s permanent return to South Africa in the 1970s, her ‘Voice’ contributed in a significant way to the building of a new South Africa. She knew Nelson Mandela well and was honoured by the ANC. Even though her music room in Waterkloof, Pretoria was burned down by cowardly white racists, she initiated various projects that promoted opportunities especially for singers of other races in the country. Her involvement with Afrikaans literature is also legendary. A true icon with an iconic art collection. ![Mimi Coertse.](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/3I-OuqnLsnxQ6cNRGsJdu51GDek=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Mimi-Coertse.jpeg) *Mimi Coertse* A true icon with an iconic art collection, Mimi Coertse’s legacy continues to resonate across the arts. The upcoming sale of her collection forms part of a larger celebration of South African creativity and is preceded by [Contemporary South African Ceramics: New Perspectives](https://www.straussart.co.za/auctions/details/403-22-jul-2025), an auction that spotlights innovation and craftsmanship in the country’s rich ceramic traditions. **DM** \[embed\]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InF\_rXUuzUg\[/embed\] **Upcoming Events** Johannesburg Preview Weekend Strauss & Co, 89 Central Street, Houghton, Johannesburg Join Strauss & Co specialists for a walkabout and preview of the upcoming Johannesburg Auctions of Modern and Contemporary Art & Contemporary South Africa Ceramics. Saturday, 19 July 2025 - [RSVP](https://www.straussart.co.za/event/strauss-walkabout-pottery-demo-july-2025) Sunday, 20 July 2025 - [RSVP](https://www.straussart.co.za/event/sunday-walkabout-johannesburg) **Live Virtual Auctions** Watch the auctions in person at Strauss & Co in Johannesburg or online. Strauss & Co, 89 Central Street, Houghton, Johannesburg [Contemporary South African Ceramics: New Perspectives](https://www.straussart.co.za/auctions/details/403-22-jul-2025) Tuesday, 22 July 2025 at 2pm [High Note: Modern and Contemporary Art including works from the Mimi Coertse Collection](https://www.straussart.co.za/auctions/details/402-22-jul-2025) Tuesday, 22 July 2025 at 7pm Visit [Strauss Art](http://www.straussart.co.za/) to discover more.