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LOT 129

CAC RCA
1865 - 1924
Canadian

The Mussel Gatherer, Dieppe (The Surf, Dieppe)
oil on panel
initialed and on verso titled The Surf, Dieppe and dated circa 1904 on the gallery labels and stamped with the J.W. Morrice Studio stamp
4 7/8 x 6 in, 12.4 x 15.2 cm

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

Sold for: $121,250

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Galerie Walter Klinkhoff Inc., Montreal
Masters Gallery Ltd., Calgary
Private Collection, Calgary


Located midway between Paris and London (via Newhaven), and the beach resort closest to Paris, Dieppe attracted tourists and artists from both cities at the turn of the twentieth century. James Wilson Morrice visited it many times, sometimes for only a fortnight on his way to or from England, but often for longer stays. In June 1906, he spent a week in “a quiet place near Dieppe,”[1] close enough to allow him some strolling time in the bigger town. This beautiful little seascape, dated by its technique and a sketchbook drawing showing this railing (detached from the sketchbook, collection of Museum London), is a rare depiction of a working woman from the hand of the artist. She walks along Dieppe’s new (1901) Boulevard Maritime overlooking the pebble beach, but she is not a tourist. Her costume – a scarf hides her pointed white cap – is typical of Le Pollet, the fishermen’s quarter across the chenal (harbour entrance); she might be heading home, but more probably towards the fish market, where mussel sellers gathered daily.

We thank Lucie Dorais for contributing the above essay. This work will be included in Dorais’s forthcoming catalogue raisonné of the artist’s work.

1. Morrice to his friend Robert Henri, June 23, 1906, Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Yale University.


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.