'Old District Six' - James Yates

Dimensions: 45 × 61 cm (18 x 24 in)

Medium: Oil on canvas

Step back in time with this evocative original oil painting titled 'Old District Six' by master South African artist James Yates. The artwork expertly captures the distinctive charm and subtle decay of this historic Cape Town street scene before its demolition.

The canvas measures 45 cm (Height) x 61 cm (Width). Yates uses warm, low light—suggestive of the quiet moment of dusk or dawn—to dramatic effect, highlighting the textured façades of the Cape Dutch and late Victorian-style buildings that once lined this community. Note the characteristic colours—faded blues, vibrant greens, and sun-baked reds—that give the architecture a profound sense of place and history, a poignant memorial to the former community.

The towering building on the left, bathed in warm light, anchors the composition. Crucially, the scene is alive with subtle human activity: children and figures linger by shop entrances and walk down the road, lending an intimate, anecdotal quality to the urban landscape. The overhead telephone wires and vintage streetlight evoke a bygone era, making this a powerful piece of nostalgic South African art and a vital cultural record of District Six. This exquisitely painted James Yates oil painting is ideal for collectors of South African history and those who appreciate the rich architectural and social heritage of Cape Town. It’s a genuine statement piece that transports the viewer to a quieter, older time.

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