Lot # 118

James Edward Hervey (J.E.H.) MacDonald
ALC CGP G7 OSA RCA 1873 - 1932 Canadian

Spruce and Maple, Algoma
oil on board
initialed and on verso signed, titled, dated 1920, inscribed "#1644 / Not for Sale" and stamped National Revenue Canada, Lacolle PQ
8 3/8 x 10 1/2 pouces  21.3 x 26.7cm

Provenance:
Acquired directly from the Artist by John Goldie Breckenridge, Toronto
Estate of Mary Breckenridge

Référence:
J.E.H. MacDonald, Papers, National Archives of Canada, MG 30 D 111, Volume 3

J.E.H. MacDonald was acknowledged by others in the Group of Seven to be a consummate sketcher. His personal papers include some notes titled “Sketching: The First Outdoor Sport”. In them, he describes his paintbox, which included “Colours: about eight” and his methods for the oil sketch, “Brush in the outline, then wash in, highlights strong.” He goes on in instructive tones, describing that one should “Give only the characteristic details essential to the composition. Speed helps in sketching just as in sprinting. Try to grasp the idea of your subject quickly, and then put it down before you can form any doubts about it…..You will find a general trail in the lines and masses under varying details. Bring that out…..Trees grow and clouds float but Art has a world of her own where science is not so absolute.” In this quickly executed Algoma work, MacDonald’s “idea” is presented without hesitation or doubt, and his “general trail” is one of balance and harmony, wherein the lyrical conifers serve to divide the deciduous masses, and vibrant colour and brushwork energizes everything.

Estimation: 100,000 $ ~ 150,000 $ CAN

S'est vendu pour: 105,300.00 $ CAN (prime d'achat incluse)