LOT 131

ALC BCSFA CGP FCA G7 OSA RPS TPG
1885 - 1970
Canadian

At St. John's, Newfoundland
oil on board
signed and on verso signed twice, titled by the artist and on the gallery label, dated circa 1921 on the gallery label, inscribed "Property N.D. Young, purchased from the artist about 1958" and certified by the artist's son, Lawren P. Harris, September 22, 1980
10 1/2 x 13 3/4 in, 26.7 x 34.9 cm

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

Sold for: $103,250

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Acquired from the Artist by N.D. Young, circa 1958
Roberts Gallery, Toronto
Private Collection, Ontario


From 1918 to 1923 was a period of social realism for Lawren Harris, and an important subject for him was houses—principally in Toronto’s working-class neighbourhood of the Ward. He also depicted houses in outlying towns such as Barrie and Lake Simcoe.

In late winter or early spring of 1921, Harris went east to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia to paint. In Nova Scotia, he painted the tenements he found in Halifax. However, his Newfoundland subjects were more upbeat—he painted the small settlements there with their simple structures, and this is a fine work from this group. There was a warmth to these small communities—they had a strong social structure, surviving on such activities as fishing and sealing, and people depended on one another. Reflecting that, the houses are all connected by paths and are situated close to each other on the steep hillside. Their setting is dramatic—a mountain with rocky plateaus towers over them, with a sliver of ocean showing beyond. Harris’s colour palette is rich: radiant green grass, red and purple houses, and rock formations with orange, purple and pink tones.

Harris’s Newfoundland paintings are rare. Fewer than 20 works are known, and he did not return to this painting place. Harris used some of the scenes from this trip to illustrate his only book of poetry, Contrasts, published in 1922.


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.