Sumner Maud Frances (1902 – 1985) was a South African painter known for her beautiful paintings of nature and still life. She was born in Johannesburg and went to study art in London in 1926. After studying in London, she went to Paris where she learned from famous artists. This time in Europe had a big influence on her art, and she started using spiritual and symbolic themes in her work.
When she came back to South Africa in the 1940s, Sumner’s art became even more connected to the natural world. She believed nature was a way to connect with something bigger and spiritual. Her peaceful landscapes and still-life paintings reflect this feeling.
Sumner had 16 solo exhibitions during her career, and her work is found in important collections in South Africa and around the world. She passed away in 1985, but her legacy in South African art lives on. She is remembered for mixing spirituality with the beauty of nature in her art.
Text Sources: SA History Online
