ONLINE AUCTION
Modern Landscapes
4th session

September 05 - September 26, 2024

LOT DETAILS
          
          
          
          

This session is closed for bidding.
Current bid: $18,000 CAD
Bidding History
Paddle # Date Amount

949662 26-Sep-2024 03:55:20 PM $18,000

The bidding history list updated on: Saturday, October 05, 2024 06:28:18

LOT 317

OC
1927 - 2023
Canadian

The Biggar Hills
oil on canvas
signed and on verso signed and titled and on a label
58 x 72 in, 147.3 x 182.9 cm

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD

Sold for: $22,500

Preview at:

PROVENANCE
Acquired by a Private Collection, Saskatchewan, 1970s
By descent to the present Private Collection, Vancouver


There is perhaps no one in the post-war landscape tradition with a more nuanced and delicate handling of light than Dorothy Knowles. As in this work, one of her primary subjects is the prairies of Western Canada, which is known amongst artists to have exceptionally rich, even painterly, natural light. It’s the expression of that light to which Knowles has dedicated her illustrious 70 year career.

A central means by which Knowles deals with luminosity in this period is her use of media. These subtle washes of thinned paint have their roots in the “soak-stain” techniques of Morris Louis, Kenneth Noland, and perhaps most comparably, Helen Frankenthaler. Another commonality of these artist is their engagement with the influential New York art critic Clement Greenberg. The same was true for Knowles – Greenberg attended the 1962 Emma Lake Artists’ Workshop in north-central Saskatchewan, which were initiated by Kenneth Lochhead and Arthur McKay in 1955. While history now most relates Greenberg to post-painterly abstraction, he encouraged Knowles to continue on with her representational practice, into which she incorporated the leading influences of the time.


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.