Canadian Fine Art Auction

May 25, 2015

LOT 91

Lot 91

ALEXANDER COLVILLE, R.C.A.

ALEXANDER COLVILLE, R.C.A.
Lot 91 Details
ALEXANDER COLVILLE, R.C.A.

SUNRISE, 1970

serigraph, printed in colours
signed, dated 1970 and numbered 62/70
13.75 ins x 25.75 ins; 30.5 cms x 61 cms

Estimate $8,000-$12,000

Realised: $30,680
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Provenance:

Marlborough Godard Gallery, Toronto/Montreal

Literature:

Michael Bell, Colville, Being Seen: the serigraphs, Carleton University Art Gallery, Ottawa, 1994, page 40, cat.no.12 for Sunrise, (Collection of Graham Colville), reproduced.

David Burnett, Colville – Prints/Estampes, Department of External Affairs, Arts Promotion Division, Ottawa, 1985, page 10, for Sunrise/Lever du soleil, 1970, reproduced.

Helen J. Dow, The Art of Alex Colville, McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited, Toronto, 1972, page 87, and page 195, plate 99 for Sunrise, reproduced in colour.

Note:

Dow writes that for Colville “the highest art, like marriage, required concentrated effort.” She continues: “At least one of his works appear to deal with this analogy, though indirectly, by again examining the nature of love. This is his picture, Sunrise, a serigraph which he executed in 1970... The print portrays a woman silhouetted in purplish tones against the glowing rays of a coral sun as she glides mysteriously past a dark embankment in the graceful embrace of a canoe. In a consideration of the nature of art, however, it is the dramatic juxtaposition of the woman with the rising sun which is especially significant. For just as the sun rises uninvited in the sense that it appears without human control, so love, as the reverse of art, happens suddenly and without conscious effort. To Colville, the mystery of love is a sheer gift while, conversely, marriage in itself is an art, that is to say something premeditated and intentionally planned. For him, all art must be the product of a similarly rational activity.”

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 91
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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.