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LOT 164

ALC BCSFA CGP FCA G7 OSA RPS TPG
1885 - 1970
Canadian

Algoma Sketch
oil on panel, circa 1918 - 1920
signed and on verso signed, titled, inscribed "10" and stamped Dominion Gallery, Montreal
10 1/2 x 13 7/8 in, 26.7 x 35.2 cm

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

Sold for: $64,350

Preview at: Heffel Vancouver

PROVENANCE
Dominion Gallery, Montreal, inventory #F1288, acquired on May 29, 1951 for $250
Estate of Theodosia Dawes Bond Thornton, Montreal

LITERATURE
Theodosia Dawes Bond Thornton, Personal Art Collection Catalogue, reproduced, unpaginated, catalogue #R27
David P. Silcox, The Group of Seven and Tom Thomson, 2003, a similar circa 1916 oil sketch by Tom Thomson entitled Autumn Birches, in the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, reproduced page 257


Lawren Harris visited the Algoma region for the first time in the spring of 1918, returning in September with fellow Group of Seven members for the historic first boxcar trip to Algoma. A second boxcar trip followed in the autumn of 1919, and Harris was in Algoma again in the spring and summer of 1920. On these forays into the stunning landscape of Algoma, Group members painted together and conducted spirited discussions about painting techniques and the philosophy of art – and cross influences abounded. Tom Thomson did not become a member of the Group, as he died before the Group was officially formed, but was closely associated with them. Tragically, he died in a canoe accident in 1917, but his influence lived on with Group members. Harris knew him well, having painted with him at Algonquin Park in 1916. Thus it is interesting to note the marked similarity between this stunning oil sketch and Thomson’s circa 1916 oil sketch Autumn Birches; both include a rich palette of fall colours, contrasting white birch trunks and foreground rock formations. The period from 1916 until 1920 was a time of tremendous excitement for these artists, and their cross-fertilization of ideas created a crucible of change that affected the course of art history and our Canadian identity.


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.