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LOT 138

CGP CSPWC G7 OC POSA PRCA
1898 - 1992
Canadian

Palmer Rapids
oil on board
signed and on verso signed twice, titled and dated 1958
12 x 15 in, 30.5 x 38.1 cm

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

Sold for: $25,000

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 135 Yorkville Ave

PROVENANCE
Roberts Gallery, Toronto
Sold sale of Important Canadian Art, Sotheby's Canada, November 10, 1987, lot 78
Collection of Chris Haney, Toronto
By descent to the present Private Collection, Florida


Inscribed on verso: "by the artist: This sketch was made on the Madawaska River in the summer of (1958?). It is located near the village of Palmer Rapids. April 22, 1979"

The year 1958 was a significant one for A.J. Casson – he retired from the commercial art firm of Sampson Matthews Limited, where he had risen to the position of vice-president. This freed his time to concentrate on his painting, and his sketching trips, previously confined to weekends and holidays, occurred with greater frequency. He also secured a dealer to represent his work - Roberts Gallery - and would have his first solo exhibition in March of 1959, followed by many others. These shows would raise Casson’s profile among collectors, and soon there was intense competition to acquire his paintings.

This oil sketch of rapids on the Madawaska River is a classic Casson. It exudes the exhilarating atmosphere of this natural environment in southeastern Ontario, and perhaps the excitement generated by the freedom the artist was now enjoying. The churning rapids of the Madawaska River crash against the rocks, and a fresh wind bends the branches of the trees. The green wall of trees brings all the focus to the river and its pell-mell journey downstream, viewed from Casson’s vantage point on the foreground rocks as he captured this striking scene en plein air.


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.