Canadian Art

December 0510, 2020
Auction begins to close at 2:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 1

Lot 1

RENÉ MARCIL

RENÉ MARCIL
Lot 1 Details
RENÉ MARCIL

UNTITLED, 1956-58

oil on canvas
signed and dated '56; also signed, dated '58 and inscribed "retouché" verso
39.25 ins x 24 ins; 99.7 cms x 61 cms

Estimate $3,000-$5,000

Realised: $9,000
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
RENÉ MARCIL
  • RENÉ MARCIL
  • RENÉ MARCIL
  • RENÉ MARCIL
Provenance:

Private Collection, Toronto

Note:

René Marcil’s career began as a fashion illustrator, first for Morgan’s and Eaton’s department stores in Montreal, then Lord and Taylor in New York. In the early 1950s Marcil moved to France where he began supplementing his figure drawing practice with abstracted compositions. The paintings produced during this time demonstrate a continuation of the dynamism and elegance that characterised his fashion illustrations and marked a significant turning point towards the use of bold, brilliant colour that would be further explored in his late-career portrait pieces.

This work, completed in the early days of what would be an extended period living in Europe, exemplifies Marcil’s willingness to experiment with his practice. Here he adopts the established visual language of Fauvism, Cubism, and Surrealism. Blues dominate the canvas, illuminated by flashing facets of orange, green, and pink. Bold, heavy black strokes provide an architectural structure to the scene: this could be an interior, or a pure abstract exploration of colour. Expressionistic and lyrical, Marcil’s long career was characterised by confident draftsmanship and a unique evolved style.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 1
×

About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.