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LOT 153

ARCA
1888 - 1970
Canadian

Paysage à Venise, Canal
oil on board, circa 1936
signed and on verso signed, titled and inscribed "18 Musée" and "-550 90-"
31 3/8 x 23 3/8 in, 79.7 x 59.4 cm

Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000 CAD

Sold for: $67,250

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Montreal

LITERATURE
Jacques de Roussan, M.A. Fortin, 1982, reproduced page 31
René Buisson, Marc-Aurèle Fortin: un maître inconnu, Musée Marc-Aurèle Fortin, 1995, reproduced page 220

EXHIBITED
Musée Marc-Aurèle Fortin, Montreal, January 23 - May 19, 1985, catalogue #P.186


In 1933, an inheritance from his father enabled Marc-Aurèle Fortin to fulfill his dream of a voyage to Europe. He departed in December of that year, and for five months he traveled throughout France and into northern Italy. He returned to Montreal full of enthusiasm from this experience, but firmly resolved to follow his own path rather than European modernist movements. This striking scene of a canal winding through Venice’s distinctive buildings showcases Fortin’s characteristic dazzling colour and vigorous brushwork, and it is an outstanding example of his adept techniques in constructing his paintings. After applying a background of black paint, Fortin sketched in the elements of his image with fluid strokes of bright pigment. Light is created by white tones in the canal and on the houses, contrasted with a dark sky of cobalt lightening to turquoise. The illusion of the boats floating on the water and the sensation of the canal’s gentle eddies are both expertly handled. Paysage à Venise, Canal is a work of vibrant sensuality, resonant with the atmosphere of this historic city.

We thank Sarah Mainguy for her assistance in researching this work.

This work will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné on the artist’s work, #H-0622.


Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000 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.