LOT 049

CC QMG RCA
1904 - 1990
Canadian

Femme au collier et personnage dans la nuit
oil on canvas
signed and on verso titled and dated circa 1980 on the Galerie Valentin label
24 x 20 in, 61 x 50.8 cm

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

Sold for: $85,250

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Galerie Clarence Gagnon, Montreal
Private Collection, Montreal
Galerie Jean-Pierre Valentin, Montreal
Private Collection, Quebec

LITERATURE
Guy Robert, Lemieux, 1975, page 194


Few Canadian artists have treated the subject of the night sky as aptly and extensively as Jean Paul Lemieux. In a 1972 interview, he stated, “I know the still of the night well, because I often wake up at night and listen to it. Silence for me is looking at a star-filled sky and hearing only the faint rustling of a few leaves.” Here, Lemieux juxtaposed the infinite firmament with a figure at the forefront. We find the titular femme au collier—“lady with a necklace”—standing at the right corner of the painting. Anchored to the border of the canvas, her face is noticeably close to the viewer—so much so that it seems as if we are in direct interlocution with this elegant woman. Dressed in red, with matching necklace and lipstick, she gazes directly ahead, and her short black bob almost melts into the starry dark sky. A figure appears behind her walking down the street, but the face is undefined. Enigmatic and engaging, Femme au collier et personnage dans la nuit is a great example of Lemieux’s distinct and poetic oeuvre.


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.