Waddington's

Canadian Fine Art Auction

May 25, 2015

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LOT 57

Lot 57

ALFRED JOSEPH CASSON, O.S.A., P.R.C.A.

ALFRED JOSEPH CASSON, O.S.A., P.R.C.A.
Lot 57 Details
ALFRED JOSEPH CASSON, O.S.A., P.R.C.A.

OPEONGO RIVER, 1950

oil on board
signed; also signed, dated and titled on the reverse
12 ins x 15 ins; 30.5 cms x 38.1 cms

Estimate $20,000-$30,000

Realised: $23,600
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

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Lot Report

Additional Images
ALFRED JOSEPH CASSON, O.S.A., P.R.C.A.
  • ALFRED JOSEPH CASSON, O.S.A., P.R.C.A.
Provenance:

Private Collection, Toronto

Note:

Casson painted this interesting work at a time when his larger canvases were demonstrating pronounced abstract qualities in the extreme reduction and superimposition of forms, and the breaking up of light into fractured planes. Opeongo River has not undergone this transforming process, but it nonetheless indicates a strong abstracting tendency. The wedge shape of burnt land in the foreground is a flopped mirror image of the distant golden land mass that cuts across the picture plane from the left, balancing the composition. The two halves of the picture are connected by the tall piece of burnt timber on the right. Some of these charred remains are reflected in the pool of still water in the foreground, while others resemble human figures. Regardless of whether Casson attached any symbolic meaning to Opeongo River, it is a fine example of the synthesis of theme and form, and of the haunting stillness that characterizes Casson’s work. This picture must have been a family favourite, and was included in the 1988 exhibition, Casson’s Cassons.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

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LOT 57
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.