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LOT 102

ASA CPE CSPWC RCA
1884 - 1963
Canadian

Karlukwees, BC
colour woodcut on paper, 1929
signed and signed in the block, titled and editioned 73/100
10 1/2 x 12 1/2 in, 26.7 x 31.8 cm

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

Sold for: $46,250

Preview at:

PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Ontario

LITERATURE
Duncan Campbell Scott, Walter J. Phillips, 1947, reproduced page 27
Carlyle Allison, The Art of W.J. Phillips, 1970, the 1927 watercolour and graphite sketch entitled Karlukwees, Village Island and the woodcut reproduced, unpaginated
Michael J. Gribbon, Walter J. Phillips: A Selection of His Works and Thoughts, National Gallery of Canada, 1978, reproduced front cover, the 1927 watercolour and graphite sketch entitled Karlukwees, BC reproduced page 64, the larger finished watercolour reproduced page 65, and a photograph of Walter J. Phillips holding an impression of the woodcut reproduced page 62
Roger Boulet, The Tranquility and the Turbulence: The Life and Work of Walter J. Phillips, 1981, page 101, the related 1926 watercolour Myth of the Thunderbird (Karlukwees) reproduced page 101, the 1927 watercolour and graphite sketch entitled Karlukwees, Village Island and the woodcut reproduced pages 125 and 126
Roger Boulet, Walter J. Phillips: The Complete Graphic Works, 1981, reproduced page 3

EXHIBITED
National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Walter J. Phillips, 1978, same image
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, To the Totem Forests: Emily Carr and Contemporaries Interpret Coastal Villages, August 5 - October 31, 1999, same image, catalogue #55.26.59


In 1927, Walter J. Phillips took a sketching trip to the West Coast, visiting his sister at Alert Bay and then traveling by boat to the villages of Tsatsisnukomi, Mamalilicoola and Karlukwees, a small settlement on Turnour Island, at the entrance to Knight Inlet. He wrote, “We found another village – Karlukwees – more interesting than the others. The clean white beach had borrowed its shape from the new moon…Karlukwees provided many subjects for painting. In fact, never have I seen a more delectable sketching ground. I regretted leaving the coast, and I long to return.” This exquisite woodcut is considered to be the finest in Phillips’s woodcut oeuvre. Technically superb, with a composition perfectly in balance, the delicate impression of falling snow cloaking the village in stillness creates an unforgettable atmosphere of peace. The woodcut is also a poignant record of the village, as little remains of it today. In 1929, Karlukwees, BC was awarded a gold medal for best colour woodcut by the Society of Arts and Crafts, Boston. The National Gallery of Canada has two impressions of this woodcut in its collection.


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.