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LOT 070

1950 - 2023
Canadian

Still Life
encaustic on canvas
on verso signed, titled on the Heffel Gallery label and dated 1992
60 x 60 in, 152.4 x 152.4 cm

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

Sold for: $32,175

Preview at: Heffel Vancouver

PROVENANCE
Heffel Gallery Ltd., Vancouver
Private Collection, Vancouver

LITERATURE
Rainer Crone and David Moos, The Rape of Io, Paintings by Tony Scherman, 1992, a similar 1991 - 1992 encaustic painting entitled The Rape of Io: Argus’ Dream reproduced page 49


Tony Scherman’s still lifes of luscious, illuminated fruit floating on dark, brooding Rembrandt-like backgrounds encompass both modern and historical references; a classical subject painted with a modernist eye. Scherman’s fruit is not just fruit, but much more – a mythological substance, the ambrosia of the Gods. He sometimes associates narrative through his titles, such as in a similar work whose title, The Rape of Io: Argus’ Dream, relates it to a mythological story, or references to events or people of different time periods, such as a fruit still life entitled Robespierre’s Dream. But Scherman’s paintings are just as strongly about the painted surface as the subject. As seductive as the fruit, the paint surface is diffused and dimensional. Scherman uses encaustic, an ancient technique of applying hot wax infused with pigment, which he layers, scrapes, drips and scorches. In the process, areas of density and transparency develop, while more viscous wax drips down the surface. Stunning, almost theatrical, this fruit still life glows as if spotlit against a dark and mysterious space, a superb example of this important subject in Scherman’s oeuvre.


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.