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LOT 150

1815 - 1872
Canadian

Five Habitants Driving in Winter
oil on canvas
signed and on verso titled and dated circa 1860 on the Masters Gallery label
11 1/4 x 13 1/8 in, 28.6 x 33.3 cm

Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000 CAD

Sold for: $49,250

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Laing Galleries, Toronto
Kenneth R. Thomson, Toronto
Masters Gallery Ltd., Calgary
Private Collection, Vancouver


This is a classic Cornelius Krieghoff winter scene of Quebec habitants traveling by sleigh, likely over the frozen St. Lawrence River. In 1860, Krieghoff was living in Quebec City, and he would have regularly observed scenes such as this. The wood sleigh is drawn by a small, sturdy horse – from a distinctive breed known as the canadien, descended from Norman and Breton horses introduced into New France in the seventeenth century. Undaunted by pulling five people, it is trotting in a jaunty manner, its mane flying, the movement emphasized by the red sash fluttering from its bridle and the snow kicking up from its hind hooves. Krieghoff’s keen attention to details makes this scene so distinctive. Note, for instance, the habitants’ red and blue toques and the man clad in a Hudson’s Bay blanket coat with hood, smoking a pipe. Krieghoff was renowned for his sensitivity to winter atmospheric effects, and here he captures the pale green tints in the ice, the slushy snow conditions, and a delicate sky full of misty clouds, infused with pastel tints such as mauve, pink and peach.


Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000 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.