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LOT 142

CGP OSA PRCA
1898 - 1967
Canadian

Quebec from Lévis
oil on panel
signed and dated 1928 and on verso titled, dated on the gallery labels, inscribed "(no. 16)" / "23056" and indistinctly and certified by William R. Watson on the Watson Art Galleries label
7 x 9 1/2 in, 17.8 x 24.1 cm

Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000 CAD

Sold for: $34,250

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Watson Art Galleries, Montreal
Sold sale of Important Canadian Art, Sotheby's Canada in association with Ritchie's, May 31, 2004, lot 101
Mayberry Fine Art, Winnipeg
Sold sale of Fine Art, Levis Fine Art Auctions, November 16, 2008, lot 108
Private Collection, Calgary

LITERATURE
Paul Duval, Canadian Impressionism, 1990, page 138


The urban life of Quebec was a preferred subject for Robert Pilot, as it had been for his fellow Canadian Impressionists Maurice Cullen, Marc-Aurèle Suzor-Coté and Clarence Gagnon. As art historian Paul Duval wrote, “His views of the province of Quebec, and in particular of Quebec City, are engaging examples of atmospheric painting. No one, not even his stepfather, the Impressionist Maurice Cullen, evoked the character of Quebec City with more affection or persuasion.”

This pochade sketch of Quebec City from Lévis, across the St. Lawrence River, is a classic view, containing the essential elements Pilot was known for - historical buildings and below, the steamer ferry with its plume of smoke rising from a smokestack, emphasized with a daub of ruby red. Pilot created atmosphere with colour, here in the milky green of the river and a glorious sky of layered clouds tinged with pink, giving way to sky, glowing with a greenish hue. He loved moody skies like this, lighting up just before dusk. In this small pochade, Pilot effortlessly conveyed a timeless world, a scene infused with a delicate nostalgia for historic Quebec.


Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000 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.