ARCA OC OSA
1927 - 1977
Canadian
Seven Other Spirits Worse Than Himself
mixed media on board
initialed and on verso titled and dated 1975 on a label
11 7/8 x 20 in, 30.2 x 50.8 cm
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD
Sold for: $49,725
Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave
PROVENANCE
Collection of Avram Isaacs, Toronto
Private Collection, Pennsylvania
“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, ‘I will return unto my house whence I came out.’ And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” Luke 11:24-26 (KJV)
William Kurelek’s interest in interpreting biblical scripture in his works is messianic. His aim was to create such a strong spiritual force in his paintings that those who saw them would be converted. Seven Other Spirits Worse Than Himself is based on verses from the New Testament (Luke 11:24-26 and Matthew 12:43-45) that caution even the fully repentant to constant vigilance against the return of sin. He used the theme of a Canadian winter to replace the “dry places”, and a parade of dancing stick men to represent the “unclean spirits”. Kurelek’s intriguing, complex explorations of religious imagery are endlessly fascinating.
This painting is in the original frame made by Kurelek.
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD
All prices are in Canadian Dollars
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