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LOT 105

ARCA CSPWC G7 OSA
1888 - 1949
Canadian

Autumn, Blue Lake, Algoma
oil on panel, circa 1918 - 1919
on verso inscribed "$16.00"/ "NJS" / "$10.00" / "this painting belongs to Michael Stevenson"
7 3/4 x 6 in, 19.7 x 15.2 cm

Estimate: $25,000 - $35,000 CAD

Sold for: $37,250

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
A gift from the Artist to his daughter
By descent to the grandson of the Artist, Toronto
Sold sale of Fine Canadian Art, Heffel Fine Art Auction House, November 26, 2009, lot 291
Private Collection, Vancouver

LITERATURE
Roger Burford Mason, A Grand Eye for Glory: A Life of Franz Johnston, 1998, reproduced, unpaginated

EXHIBITED
West Parry Sound District Museum, Ontario, Franz Johnston: Rebel Among Rebels, July 1 - September 29, 2001


Frank Johnston accompanied fellow Group of Seven members on the now-famous boxcar sketching trips to Algoma in 1918 and 1919. A specially outfitted railcar was taken up the Algoma Central Railway, and it served as a base for the artists’ sketching trips into the surrounding wilderness. These were magical times - at night, they would discuss art under starry skies. The influence of Art Deco patterning can be seen in this lovely work in the graceful curves of the tree branches and rich brush-strokes of autumn colour in the background. Starting in 1908, Johnston worked as a commercial artist at the Toronto firm of Grip Ltd., which also employed other future members of the Group. In a speech at Toronto’s Arts and Letters Club, artist Franklin Arbuckle stated of Johnston: “His picture design, as with all of the group [of Seven], was powerfully influenced by the art nouveau movement, with its sinuous lines, loops and flat patterns. That influence remained with him the rest of his life.”

This work was in the family of the artist until it was sold by Heffel in 2009, and the record of its provenance is unbroken.


Estimate: $25,000 - $35,000 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.