Canadian Fine Art Auction

November 20, 2017

LOT 70

Lot 70

FRANK HANS JOHNSTON, O.S.A., A.R.C.A.

FRANK HANS JOHNSTON, O.S.A., A.R.C.A.
Lot 70 Details
FRANK HANS JOHNSTON, O.S.A., A.R.C.A.

GOING HOME, STURGEON RIVER COUNTRY

oil on masonite
signed; also signed and titled on the reverse
25 ins x 30 ins; 68.6 cms x 82.6 cms

Estimate $12,000-$18,000

Realised: $15,600
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
FRANK HANS JOHNSTON, O.S.A., A.R.C.A.
  • FRANK HANS JOHNSTON, O.S.A., A.R.C.A.
  • FRANK HANS JOHNSTON, O.S.A., A.R.C.A.
Provenance:

G. Blair Laing Limited, Toronto
Private Collection, Ontario

Literature:

Roger Burford Mason, A Grand Eye for Glory: A Life of Franz Johnston, Dundurn Press, Toronto, 1998, page 55.

Note:

Franz Johnston’s (1888-1949) well known decision to leave the Group of Seven after a single public group exhibition consumed both sides of the debate over traditionalism versus modernism in Canada among art cognoscenti and the general public alike. The Toronto Star went so far as to publish the headline “Canadian artist deserts the extremist Group of Seven” while others saw Johnston as abandoning the cause in the great march towards modernization. But Johnston’s traditionalism was rooted in the rigorous training he had undergone in academic painting, which is often beautifully realized by an aesthetic that tends toward the atmospheric and decorative in contrast to other Group members. These ideological and stylistic differences, the offer and acceptance of a principal teaching position at the Winnipeg School of Art, and his feeling that the publicity surrounding the Group might potentially affect his sales, contributed to his decision to leave the Group in 1924. Johnston turned increasingly towards 19th century realism in his later career. Going Home, a pastoral winter scene, captures this affinity for more traditional theme and style.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 70
×

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.