Introducing Our Canadian Fine Art Auction Fall 2019

By: Stephen Ranger, Yvonne Monestier

We are delighted to share this expertly curated, eclectic group of works.

While assembling our November 2019 Canadian Fine Art auction, our team was committed to maintaining the high standards Waddington’s is known for and quickly honed in on two key themes that set the tone for this sale.

The first theme is one many of our clients are familiar with – works that are fresh to market. These include important works by James Wilson Morrice, and Jean Paul Riopelle. These significant Quebec artists are joined by notable Group of Seven works by A.Y. Jackson, Arthur Lismer, A.J. Casson and Lawren Harris.

The auction also features an important portrait by Robert Harris of Pîhtokahanapiwiyin, known as Chief Poundmaker. This historically-relevant work has been in the present owner’s family since its acquisition from the artist in the late 19th century.

The other major theme explored in this November’s auction is diversity. Waddington’s continues to contribute to this important conversation by showcasing a broad range of historical, modern, and contemporary work. Perhaps no work represents our commitment to contemporary Canadian art more than the inclusion of Kent Monkman’s, Study for the Academy, 2008. One of only two studies by the artist for the major canvas commissioned by the Art Gallery of Ontario, this fully-realized work comes to market at a pivotal time as Monkman prepares to unveil two major works commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York this fall.

Other contemporary works in the sale include a hauntingly beautiful photo-realistic work from Mike Bayne and a luscious abstract by Melanie Authier.

Our cover lot, Paul Rand’s, Early Morning is another undiscovered gem, sourced from Western Canada. Exhibited in 1937 at the annual exhibition of the B.C. Society of Fine Art, it is an exceptional work by an unsung artist, of superb quality.

Other great modernist works are present in paintings by Harold Town, Kazuo Nakamura and Gordon Webber, among others.

We look forward to seeing you soon — until then, we invite you to find out more about the auction by visiting the online gallery.


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