Sold for: $34,250

PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Ontario
By descent to the present Private Collection, Ontario

LITERATURE
Paul Duval, A.J. Casson, His Life and Works: A Tribute, 1980, reproduced, unpaginated

The imagery of rural Ontario communities is one of the central subjects in A.J. Casson’s body of work. While allowing him to showcase his deft skills as a draughtsman, it also permitted him the expression of a kind, warm and idyllic sentiment. As seen here, his depictions of rural buildings often sit near center of the composition, presented with a portraitist’s eye for detail and character. Cultivated over decades of sketching journeys with his friend, mentor and fellow Group of Seven member Franklin Carmichael, his views of homes, inns, mills, and storefronts were revisited throughout his career. Interestingly, although titled later by the artist as General Store at Terra Cotta, Ontario, this particular building may actually be Terra Cotta’s Inn, as suggested by historical images of the town. The exact subject, however, is less important than the way Casson places humanity peacefully within nature as opposed to being pitted against it, in compelling counterpoint to the ethos of many of his contemporaries. While he excelled at expressing grandeur of nature, Casson was equally adept in placing his sympathies within people and community.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars

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