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LOT 002

CC QMG RCA
1904 - 1990
Canadian

Jenny
oil on canvas
signed and dated 1964 faintly and on verso titled
15 x 10 3/8 in, 38.1 x 26.4 cm

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

Sold for: $79,250

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
By descent to the present Private Collection, Ontario

LITERATURE
Guy Robert, Lemieux, 1975, reproduced page 231


In his oeuvre, Jean Paul Lemieux depicted male and female figures nude or partially clothed. However, Lemieux did not care for a sensuality that, in his judgment, went too far – for example, he professed to be repelled by Peter Paul Rubens’s fleshy paintings. Instead, his images had a simple dignity and chasteness, as does this adolescent girl. Even though she is only wearing a soft rose-coloured slip and wears luscious pink lipstick, this portrait of Jenny primarily suggests youth and innocence. Her eyes are somewhat downcast, suggesting shyness or introspection. However, she has taken care with her appearance, in the application of lipstick and careful arrangement of her hair with a headband, communicating that she is conscious of how she appears to others. In a manner typical of his mature work, here Lemieux simplified the figure, reducing her features to their most essential elements. His background is a soft colour field without any three-dimensionality, placing all the emphasis on the girl. Lemieux’s portraits focus on the essential being of his subjects, both physically and emotionally, and Jenny is a sensitive and lovely portrait of this young girl.


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.