Four Favourites: Canadian & International Fine Art

Assembling our Canadian and International Fine Art auctions gives us the rare opportunity to handle some of the most wonderful works of art. We asked our Fine Art specialists to share what caught their attention this fall—whether for their artistic merit, unique character, or the stories they tell. Explore our selections and perhaps find a favourite of your own.

Alicia Bojkov, Specialist, selected A.J. Casson’s Madawaska Region (Poplar):

“On first viewing A.J. Casson’s Madawaska Region (Poplar), the viewer is immediately struck by the intensity of the blue-green tones that compose the near-entirety of the painting.

The drama of the early spring scene, captured both in oil paint and in the accompanying graphite sketch, elevates the poplar tree to the status of one of Canada’s most industrious trees, as outlined by the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association.

The work alone speaks to Casson’s artistic process, while the CPPA’s commissioning of the painting emphasizes the work’s cultural importance in the narrative of the nation and greater Canadian art history.”

Claire Laycock, Associate Specialist, chose David Milne’s Stump and Smudge Pail:

“Stump and Smudge Pail epitomizes the calm and meditative quality that Milne uniquely brings to his depiction of humble, everyday objects.

He sifts away the unnecessary, focusing on line and colour, to distill the subject to its essence, and the empty spaces in between.

For me, this work connects to transcendentalist philosophy, evoking the idea of a human presence that has retreated from society into the quiet simplicity of nature.

This work has been enjoyed by an Ontario family for decades, and I hope these same qualities will resonate with its new owners.”

Goulven Le Morvan, Director of Fine Art, chose two paintings by Sir Alfred Munnings: The Sketcher and Untitled (The Artist’s Backyard):

“Waddington’s has a long-standing history offering artworks by Sir Alfred Munnings. One of the most remarkable was His Old Demesne, which we sold for $3.2 million in 1999.

Nearly 30 years later, we are pleased to present two exceptional works from private Canadian collections, Untitled (The Artist’s Backyard), ca. 1920, and The Sketcher, ca. 1928.

Kept out of the public eye for decades, these paintings offer an intimate glimpse into Munnings’ world, from his own backyard to a portrait of his neighbour and fellow painter, Maurice Codner.

To be part of this meaningful legacy between an artist and Waddington’s is a truly rewarding experience.”

About the Auction

Headlining this auction are works by renowned Canadian artists Cornelius Krieghoff, Gordon Appelbe Smith, Frederick Arthur Verner, A.J. Casson, A.Y. Jackson, and William Kurelek, alongside international offerings by Edouard Cortès and Henri Lebasque. Also featured is a collection of works by Georges Mathieu, David Milne, and Eduardo Paolozzi from an Important Private Collection. Additional highlights include exceptional, unpublished works by Fernand Léger and Sir Alfred James Munnings.

Browse or bid.

On view at our Toronto Gallery:

Saturday, November 14 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Sunday, November 15 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Monday, November 16 from 10 am to 5 pm
Tuesday, November 17 from 10 am to 7 pm
Wednesday, November 18 from 10 am to 5 pm

Or by appointment. Contact us for more information.