Canadian Fine Art Auction

November 20, 2017

LOT 103

Lot 103

CORNELIUS KRIEGHOFF

CORNELIUS KRIEGHOFF
Lot 103 Details
CORNELIUS KRIEGHOFF

ABOVE THE ST. ANNE FALLS

oil on board
18.5 ins x 25 ins; 47 cms x 63.5 cms

Estimate $50,000-$70,000

Realised: $52,800
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
CORNELIUS KRIEGHOFF
  • CORNELIUS KRIEGHOFF
  • CORNELIUS KRIEGHOFF
Provenance:

Private Collection, Ontario

Literature:

Dennis Reid, Krieghoff: Images of Canada, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, 1999, page 73-74 and pages 110-111, colour plates 50 and 51, for the National Gallery of Canada’s versions of this subject, reproduced in colour.

Note:

Cornelius Krieghoff (1815-1872) moved to Quebec City around 1853 and proceeded to paint virtually every waterfall within any proximity to the city. The National Gallery of Canada acquired two such works in 1995, depicting the St. Anne Falls, one of which is a view from above the falls similar to this lot, with a figure, or figures, dwarfed by the majestic landscape. Later Krieghoff would paint the falls of Niagara, Chaudière and Shawinigan (used as the back cover illustration to Reid’s 1999 catalogue Krieghoff: Images of Canada).

Such awesome scenes of nature were in vogue mid-century, as were visits to the great cataracts themselves, and Krieghoff shrewdly responded to the demand. However, unlike other subjects which became “pot-boilers” – works churned out strictly for the quick and easy sales they generated - in the hands of Krieghoff, these falls subjects can be what Reid calls a “magnificent orchestration of natural effects”. Indeed, in this lot the artist has successfully struck the right note marrying the dramatic effects of the approaching storm with the undulating rock and racing water below.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 103
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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.