CPE CSGA CSPWC OSA RCA
1941 - 2022
Canadian
Captain Noah Bishop’s Visitation at the Icefields
etching and aquatint on paper
signed, titled, editioned 35/50 and dated 1979
15 3/4 x 19 3/4 in, 40 x 50.2 cm
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000 CAD
Sold for: $4,063
Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the Artist by the present Private Collection, Ontario, circa 1980
LITERATURE
William Gough, The Art of David Blackwood, 1988, reproduced plate 23, unpaginated, same image
The narrative in this mysterious and evocative copperplate etching by David Blackwood revolves around Captain Noah Bishop. One night at sea, Captain Bishop experienced a vision of his wife approaching across the ice floes. The apparition filled him with dread, and he set sail for home. According to the story, he returned to his wife, presumed dead, who was then revived by the cold night air. The fantastical qualities of this image point to the profound influence of Gustave Doré and his renowned engravings depicting scenes from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
The original owners of this work were introduced to David Blackwood by Woodrow “Woody” Roberts, also a native of Wesleyville, Newfoundland. Roberts, by all accounts, was a living embodiment of the long and rich tradition of storytelling from that region. This work comes from an impressive private collection of Blackwood’s work that includes the iconic Fire Down on the Labrador, lot 28 in Heffel’s Spring 2024 live auction.
All prices are in Canadian Dollars
Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information posted, errors and omissions may occur. All bids are subject to our
Terms and Conditions of Business. Bidders must ensure they have satisfied themselves with the
condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.