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LOT 005

BCSFA CGP CPE OC RCA
1919 - 2020
Canadian

Pond AE I
acrylic on canvas
signed and on verso titled and dated 1996
67 x 36 in, 170.2 x 91.4 cm

Estimate: $60,000 - $80,000 CAD

Sold for: $157,250

Preview at:

PROVENANCE
Equinox Gallery, Vancouver
Private Collection, Vancouver


In 1995, Vancouver modernist Gordon Smith was in Europe, where he visited the home and gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny. Smith was struck by the stunning setting and by Monet’s very modern approach to his paintings of the gardens. On his return to Vancouver, Smith embarked on an exquisitely beautiful series of Pond paintings, which began with a natural approach, as with Pond AE I, and later evolved into a more abstract treatment. Observation of these pools of water became a statement of feeling for their shimmering beauty.

As did Monet, Smith takes a low straight-on view from the water’s edge, causing the viewer’s eye to glide across, pausing vertiginously over the reflections of tree and sky, then back to the surface and the floating water lilies. Pond AE I is a sophisticated play with space—Smith crosses the reflections with fine white lines, causing a fluctuation between the illusion of the image and the surface of the painting. Smith’s handling of paint is sensual; buttery paint-strokes loosely define his image in tones of green ranging from delicate peridot to jade and dark forest. Small patches of blue, yellow and orange are scattered throughout, to remind us that for Smith, this work is about the properties of paint itself, just as much as it is a stunning landscape image.


Estimate: $60,000 - $80,000 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.