RCA
1927 - 1999
Canadian
On the Go
bronze sculpture
initialed, editioned 7/9 and dated 1996
28 1/2 x 11 x 21 in, 72.4 x 27.9 x 53.3 cm
Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000 CAD
Sold for: $21,240
Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave
PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Vancouver
LITERATURE
Inge Lindemann, editor, William Mac (William McElcheran): The Businessman, 1991, pages 26, 27, 28 and 31
William McElcheran’s businessman is symbolic of the structures of society. His earth-bound solidity is expressed by his volumetric body cast in bronze, clothed in the classic business costume of coat, tie, hat and briefcase. McElcheran identified the businessman as “not only a result, but at the same time a protector of the industrial age which is based upon the whole theory of the division of labor.” He believed we were at the end of that time, moving into a post-industrial age.
Thus McElcheran creates a sense of nostalgia for these men, who are driven to succeed, to acquire, to conform, to attain power, yet are controlled by their own system. We sympathize with them because McElcheran imbued each of his figures with hints of a distinctive personality—he felt that “inside he has little fantasies which he keeps for himself.” McElcheran may satirize his businessman, but in a manner that is sympathetic rather than destructive. Archetypes of our times, these businessmen are players on the stage of life, and we empathize with their sense of purpose and their belief in their way of life.
Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000 CAD
All prices are in Canadian Dollars
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condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.