Please note our offices will be closed from Friday March 29 through Monday April 1 for Easter. Local pick-ups will start on Tuesday April 2.
LOT DETAILS
This session is closed for bidding.
Current bid: $16,000 CAD
Bidding History
Paddle # Date Amount

26169 29-Nov-2014 11:42:36 AM $16,000

9835 29-Nov-2014 11:42:07 AM $15,000

The bidding history list updated on: Friday, March 29, 2024 03:42:28

LOT 225

CGP CPE CSGA OC OSA P11 RCA
1924 - 1990
Canadian

Oracle Set #2
oil and Lucite 44 on canvas
signed and dated 1962 and on verso signed twice, titled, dated twice and inscribed "Oil + Lucite 44 use no turps in cleaning"
81 1/4 x 64 1/4 in, 206.3 x 163.2 cm

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD

Sold for: $18,880

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Mazelow Gallery, Toronto
Private Collection, Toronto

LITERATURE
National Gallery of Canada, Harold Town, http://www.gallery.ca/en/see/collections/artist.php?iartistid=5495, accessed October 24, 2014

EXHIBITED
National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, McEwen and Town, 1967, catalogue #8
Documenta III - Kassel, Munich, Harold Town


The work of this Painters Eleven founder was often a wild explosion of colour and form, but Oracle Set #2 is more measured. This however, was not out of character for Harold Town, for as journalist and critic Robert Fulford wrote: "He always pursued parallel careers, as though he was convinced that the world deserved several Harold Towns at once." In his book on Town, David Burnett indicates that in the Set series paintings, the reference is to stage sets. In some of these works, Town used fine patterns of light marks on dark backgrounds, as he does here. Over this two-dimensional patterned surface floats a white circle at the bottom right, whose existence brings awareness and tension to the dark circle in the middle left. Both are encircled by a white line, and they are like cells which may attract, repel or exist in stasis with each other. Town's Oracle Set #2 is a mysterious and charged field, executed with an elegant formality.


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.