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ONLINE AUCTION
Figure | Fauna | Form
9th Session

November 05 - November 26, 2020

LOT DETAILS
This session is closed for bidding.
Current bid: $3,250 CAD
Bidding History
Paddle # Date Amount

33916 26-Nov-2020 07:56:27 PM $3,250

27315 26-Nov-2020 08:00:15 AM $3,000

33916 26-Nov-2020 06:25:50 AM $2,750

27315 25-Nov-2020 10:49:50 PM $2,500

6965 25-Nov-2020 02:24:14 PM $2,250

33916 25-Nov-2020 11:20:37 AM $2,000

The bidding history list updated on: Thursday, March 28, 2024 08:26:36

LOT 1016

CC OC RCA
1935 - 2018
Canadian

Portrait of Richard Gwyn
watercolour on paper
signed, dated 1982 and inscribed "Richard"
13 5/8 x 16 1/8 in, 34.6 x 41 cm

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000 CAD

Sold for: $4,063

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
The Family of Mary Pratt, St. John's


The family of the late Mary Pratt is pleased to offer her portrait of celebrated Canadian author, journalist and historian Richard Gwyn ( May 26, 1934 – August 15, 2020) for auction, in support of the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council Winterset award. This work was painted from photographs taken in 1982, and completed around the year 2000.

The Winterset Award was established in memory of Sandra Fraser Gwyn, a loyal friend and ardent supporter of both Mary and Christopher Pratt. In the summer of 1982, Sandra and husband Richard visited the Pratt family in Newfoundland with Sondra and Allan Gotlieb and Edythe Goodridge, Director of Visual Arts with the Canada Council and a close friend of the Pratt family. Sandra would later write the introductory essay for Mary Pratt (McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1989) co-authored with the renowned Canadian Art historian, Gerta Moray.

In this very personal portrait, Richard is relaxing on the front steps of the Pratt family home at Salmonier; the steps and clapboard behind him have been scraped in preparation for fresh paint. A simple cluster of yellow daisies grows in the flower bed beside him. His posture is relaxed, as he is at ease in a Newfoundland setting close to his heart, so far from the uptight British culture into which he was born. His expression belies his casual pose as he is deep in thought, a shadow of concern shaping his eyebrows. The light watercolour gestures wash the piece with the airy brightness of a summer day, a moment of stillness in the life of one of Canada's most important thinkers and writers.

Please note: this work is unframed.


All prices are in Canadian Dollars


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