Canadian Fine Art Auction

May 29, 2017

LOT 109

Lot 109

MARC-AURÈLE DE FOY SUZOR-COTÉ, R.C.A.

MARC-AURÈLE DE FOY SUZOR-COTÉ, R.C.A.
Lot 109 Details
MARC-AURÈLE DE FOY SUZOR-COTÉ, R.C.A.

LE SOIR, ARTHABASKA (RIVIÈRE LA PIERRE), P.Q.

oil on canvas
signed; signed and titled on the reverse
11 ins x 16 ins; 38.1 cms x 62.2 cms

Estimate $15,000-$18,000

Realised: $24,000
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
MARC-AURÈLE DE FOY SUZOR-COTÉ, R.C.A.
  • MARC-AURÈLE DE FOY SUZOR-COTÉ, R.C.A.
  • MARC-AURÈLE DE FOY SUZOR-COTÉ, R.C.A.
Provenance:

Estate of Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Private Collection, Ontario (by descent to present owner)

Literature:

Laurier Lacroix, Suzor-Coté: light and matter, (catalogue) Musée du Québec, Quebec, 2002, page 23, 46, 108, 123, 162-163, page 41 for The Village of Arthabaska, 1901, commissioned by Wilfrid Laurier (collection of Laurier Museum), reproduced, page 45, cat. 69 for a portrait by Suzor-Coté of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, reproduced in colour.

Note:

Since its creation, Le Soir, Arthabaska has been in the possession of descendants of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada’s 7th Prime Minister. Laurier settled in Arthasbaska at the start of his career, setting up his law practice there in 1869. Two years later, he entered the provincial legislation and was eventually drawn into federal politics in 1874. Nonetheless, during his meteoric rise he remained loyal to this little town and Suzor-Coté (1869-1937), whose family were also prominent citizens of Arthabaska, benefitted from the patronage of this powerful politician. In fact, Suzor-Coté scholar Laurier Lacroix notes that it was through Laurier’s support that the artist’s works entered into the collection of the National Gallery of Canada. Lacroix observes: “Suzor-Coté’s most remarkable quality was undoubtedly his charisma and he used his charm to place himself at the hub of an influential social, political and cultural network. However, this charm would have appeared superficial and vain had he not possessed the technical skills and versatility to produce a tangible body of work that lived up to his clients’ expectations.”
 
The effects of the rising and setting sun and moon, as well as seasonal changes and atmospheric conditions captivated painters like Suzor-Coté. Lacroix writes: “In the 19th century under the influence of the romantic tradition… skywatching (was) a very popular activity.” In Le Soir, Suzor Coté paints the night sky ablaze with fiery oranges and reds, that great push of supreme radiance that is experienced just moments before the sun drops below the horizon.
 
Though he lived abroad for a number of years, Suzor-Coté remained interested in Canadian subjects, and took trips to Arthabaska in 1901 and 1903. For example, Lacroix notes: “The Village of Arthabaska, commissioned by Wilfrid Laurier in August 1901 gave him a good opportunity to renew his acquaintance with the local topography: whose potential (perhaps because of the clarity distance can instill) he was better able to appreciate. “
 
Suzor-Coté’s impact on the next generation was not insignificant, Narcisse Poirier, Rodolphe Duguay and Jean Paul Lemieux (see Lot 55 and Lot 63) all having apprenticed under him.  

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 109
×

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.