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LOT 005

OC RCA
1942 - 2019
Canadian

Van Gogh
bronze sculpture with patina and paint
signed, editioned AP I and dated 1985
39 1/4 x 27 x 8 in, 99.7 x 68.6 x 20.3 cm

Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000 CAD

Sold for: $43,250

Preview at:

PROVENANCE
Mayberry Fine Art, Winnipeg
Private Collection, Winnipeg

LITERATURE
Nancy Tousley and Mayo Graham, Joe Fafard: The Bronze Years, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1996, another cast from this edition, collection of the Mendel Art Gallery, reproduced page 39, various sculptures of Vincent van Gogh reproduced pages 31 and 35 - 43
Terrence Heath, Joe Fafard, National Gallery of Canada and MacKenzie Art Gallery, 2007, page 127


Joe Fafard produced a series of sculptures based on well-known artists, and his depictions of Vincent van Gogh are particularly significant. In the winter of 1982 to 1983, Fafard read Dear Theo, a collection of van Gogh’s letters to his brother. Terrence Heath wrote, “The impact of van Gogh’s thoughts was profound. Fafard became fascinated, not just with van Gogh’s work but with his entire approach to working as an artist and living as a seeking, troubled, but always intensely vibrant human being.” Fafard also experienced a retrospective of the artist’s work at the Van Gogh Museum, in Amsterdam.

In this intriguing relief sculpture, van Gogh’s gaze expresses the intense inner nature of the artist – looking into the distance as if at a vision of reality that only he can see. Fafard’s sculpted surface is textural and full of angular planes, reflecting the subject’s rough-hewn nature, and the painted surface contains colours taken from van Gogh’s self-portraits, such as gold and a pale, luminescent green. One of the most extraordinary qualities of Fafard as a sculptor was his ability to capture a living presence, and here he has captured van Gogh’s sensitive psyche impeccably.


Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000 CAD

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.