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LOT 112

1815 - 1872
Canadian

Indian Squaw Moccasin Seller Crossing the St. Lawrence River at Quebec
oil on canvas
signed and on verso titled on a label and inscribed "W.M. Dobell"
11 x 9 in, 27.9 x 22.9 cm

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

Sold for: $41,300

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
William Molson Dobell (son of Hon. Richard Reid Dobell, Krieghoff’s patron)
By descent to a Private Collector, Ontario
Sold sale of Fine Canadian Art, Heffel Fine Art Auction House, November 26, 2009, lot 274
Private Collection, British Columbia


Cornelius Krieghoff and his family moved in 1853 to Quebec City, where he painted views of the city and surrounding region. Among his best-loved works from this period are the emblematic figures of First Nations peoples. Moccasins were the staple footwear at the time - their soft soles enabled people to wear snowshoes and to step safely into a birchbark canoe. Beyond selling them for their practical use, however, this moccasin seller may have had the same clients as Krieghoff - army officers looking for a tangible memory of their stay in this remote posting.

Adding to its historical interest is the fact that the location of this charming painting can be pinpointed. The female moccasin seller is seen picking her way through the ice jams on the St. Lawrence River, with the cliffs and prominent flagstaff of the ramparts of Quebec City clearly visible in the background. The collection of the National Gallery of Canada includes two very similar Krieghoff paintings entitled Moccasin Seller Crossing the St. Lawrence at Quebec City and Indian Woman Crossing Frozen River.


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