ARTS & CULTURE
THE MAN BEHIND THE ICON
BY BYRON LUKAS
This Mandela Month, acclaimed South African artist Cyril Coetzee reflects on the privilege of painting Nelson Mandela, and the moments that revealed the man behind the statesman.
More than painting a famous face, Cyril Coetzee set out to capture the warmth, humanity, and quiet strength behind one of the world’ s most recognisable figures. Speaking to Inbound SA, the artist recalls his unforgettable moments with Madiba, and the portrait that became one of his most enduring works.
“ When Mandela shook my hand, I immediately felt his warmth and keen interest.”
A MOMENT IN TIME The journey began shortly after Mandela became president. Legendary human rights lawyer George Bizos commissioned Coetzee to paint a portrait of his lifelong friend and personally drove him to Mandela’ s Houghton home for their first meeting.
“ It was a beautiful autumn afternoon,” recalls Coetzee.“ We waited in the garden and Mandela appeared exactly at the arranged time. George whispered to me that his punctuality was typical.”
What followed remains one of the artist’ s most treasured memories.
CAPTURING A NATION IN ONE SITTING As Mandela and Bizos settled into conversation beneath the afternoon sun, Coetzee began sketching, photographing, and observing. The future portrait was slowly taking shape, but the artist soon realised that capturing Mandela would require far more than technical skill.
“ The light shone golden on his face and hands. He wore a striking peacock-blue shirt and looked incredibly regal. His leadership qualities were obvious, but there was also an openness and sensitivity about him. There was no arrogance or pretence.”
“ When Mandela shook my hand, I immediately felt his warmth and keen interest. He asked me to call him Madiba and made me feel completely at ease.”
Rather than asking the great statesman to pose, Coetzee learned to watch and absorb to inform his iconic artwork. IB
JULY 2026 / INBOUND SA 51