LOT 017

AANFM RCA
1923 - 1999
Canadian

Ovodalesque noire
oil on canvas
signed and on verso signed, titled and dated 1964
40 x 36 in, 101.6 x 91.4 cm

Estimate: $50,000 - $70,000 CAD

Preview at: Heffel Montreal

PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Montreal


Ovodalesque noire is a hypnotic work that captivates the viewer with its elegant palette and its rich, tempestuous surface. As our eye travels across the composition, the interactions between colours reveal different textures. Inspired by works from Colour Field painters such as Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman, Jean McEwen laid down his pigments in layered veils with varying thicknesses, creating dazzling effects of transparency. Marbled coats of cobalt, mustard and chartreuse reveal underlying touches of chocolate brown and black. The chromatic intensity of Ovodalesque noire demonstrates the artist’s innate understanding of colour.

McEwen has received many awards and distinctions for his works, such as the Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award from the Canada Council of the Arts in 1977 and the Paul-Émile Borduas award in 1998. In 1969 he became a member of the Royal Canadian Academy. Important retrospectives of his works have been held at the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal in 1973 and at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in 1987.


Estimate: $50,000 - $70,000 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.