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LOT 128

1815 - 1872
Canadian

Indian Family Camp
oil on canvas, circa 1850
signed and on verso titled on a label
12 x 18 in, 30.5 x 45.7 cm

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

Sold for: $81,900

Preview at: Heffel Vancouver

PROVENANCE
Harry A. Norton, Ayer's Cliff, Quebec
Watson Art Galleries, Montreal
John Thornton, Toronto
Galerie Walter Klinkhoff Inc., Montreal
Collection of Mr. François Dupré

LITERATURE
Marius Barbeau, Cornelius Krieghoff, Pioneer Painter of North America, 1934, page 134 and listed pages 133 and 134


From 1846 to 1853, Cornelius Krieghoff painted First Nations peoples from Caughnawaga with empathy and insight, having had direct contact with them. Marius Barbeau writes, “He observed them almost in their last hours of freedom, and his pictures may now be considered a ‘swan song’ of their ancient liberties.” Caughnawaga natives left their village in the summer, returning to their traditional ways of living in the woods. Krieghoff’s meticulous attention to ethnographic detail is seen in his rendering of the birchbark canoe, teepee, cradleboard, baskets, clothing and moccasins. In his description of this work in his early catalogue raisonné, Barbeau notes, “Quality here is in portraiture,” bringing attention to Krieghoff’s sensitive depiction of the native family. The provenance of this fine work is stellar – the original owner, industrialist Harry A. Norton, was an important early Krieghoff collector. François Dupré, in whose collection it most recently resided, was also known for his discernment in his choice of Krieghoff paintings.


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.