Canadian Fine Art Auction

November 27, 2013

LOT 68

Lot 68

JEAN ALBERT MCEWEN, R.C.A.

JEAN ALBERT MCEWEN, R.C.A.
Lot 68 Details
JEAN ALBERT MCEWEN, R.C.A.

THE UNKNOWN FLAG, THIRD THEME, #5, 1964

oil on canvas
signed, dated ‘64 on the reverse and inscribed “troisieme theme no.5” on the stretcher
72 ins x 54 ins; 182.9 cms x 137.2 cms

Estimate $80,000-$120,000

Realised: $106,200
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
JEAN ALBERT MCEWEN, R.C.A.
  • JEAN ALBERT MCEWEN, R.C.A.
  • JEAN ALBERT MCEWEN, R.C.A.
Provenance:

Gallery Moos, Toronto
The Estate of a Private Collector, Los Angeles

Literature:

Constance Naubert-Riser, Jean McEwen Colour in Depth, The Paintings and Works on Paper 1951-1987, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1987, pages 44-46.

Note:

Naubert-Riser writes that in early 1964, using the cruciform as his departure point (see lot 47), “McEwen created a key series that was the culmination of all his previous investigations.” She continues: “This whole series (The Unknown Flag or Drapeau Inconnu) is notable for its high degree of rigour...McEwen varies and increases the tension between the central form and the four corners. Extremely rich reds dominate the series and are combined, in numerous stratified layers, with mauves, blues and oranges. The intensity of the colour, in conjunction with the rigour of the composition gives rise to a controlled exuberance that is reinforced by the ‘painterly’ treatment of the impasto involving the ‘kneading’ with a trowel of layers of pigments applied over a layer of varnish.”

McEwen often applied paint with his hands, forgoing the paintbrush, and worked the surface of the painting until, in the words of one observer, “...it seemed to vibrate like a drum.” McEwen himself spoke of “rubbing the colour into the varnish” in order to obtain unique effects of transparency.

Only 23 paintings comprise this series.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 68
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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.