The Art of Canada Auction (Canadian Art)

May 30, 2016

LOT 170

Lot 170

WILLIAM RAPHAEL, R.C.A.

WILLIAM RAPHAEL, R.C.A.
Lot 170 Details
WILLIAM RAPHAEL, R.C.A.

AWAITING MOTHER’S RETURN ON A SNOWY DAY

oil on canvas
signed and dated 1891
28 ins x 17.25 ins; 71.8 cms x 43.8 cms

Estimate $9,000-$12,000

Realised: $7,995
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
WILLIAM RAPHAEL, R.C.A.
  • WILLIAM RAPHAEL, R.C.A.
  • WILLIAM RAPHAEL, R.C.A.
Provenance:

Private Collection, Toronto

Literature:

Sharon Goelman, William Raphael, R.C.A.: Retrospective Exhibition (1833-1914), (catalogue) Walter Klinkhoff Gallery, Montreal, September 7-21, 1996, page 1.

Note:

Sharon Goelman writes that “Raphael was best known for his exemplary portraits and lively Canadian genre scenes.”

This work incorporates both of the artist’s fortés. Effectively, an informal triple portrait, it is evidence of William Raphael at capacity, expertly rendering the particular essence of each of the characters: infant, child and elder. This painting serves as a kind of figurative “sampler”.

Furthermore, with paint and brush the artist conjures stone and snow, fur, flesh, and fabric, the coarseness of one balancing the softness of another.

As a new immigrant to Canada, Raphael had an interest bordering on obsession with accurately depicting the details of habitant life. Here he provides himself with an opportunity to riff on the quotidien details of the new world: the people, their clothing and the settings, all of which he closely observes and renders.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 170
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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.