Canadian Fine Art Auction

May 26, 2014

LOT 138

Lot 138

HAROLD BARLING TOWN, R.C.A.

HAROLD BARLING TOWN, R.C.A.
Lot 138 Details
HAROLD BARLING TOWN, R.C.A.

ENIGMA #13, (PIG, PHONE BOOTH)

ink and wash on light brown paper
signed and dated “4/17/64”
18.5 ins x 25.5 ins; 47 cms x 64.8 cms

Estimate $4,000-$5,000

Realised: $4,248
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
HAROLD BARLING TOWN, R.C.A.
  • HAROLD BARLING TOWN, R.C.A.
Provenance:

Walter and Else Landauer, Toronto
Private Collection, Toronto

Literature:

David Burnett, Town, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, 1986 pages 142-152 for an extensive discussion of the Enigma Series.

Exhibited:

XXIII Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy, 1965, cat.no. 37.

Note:

According to Burnett, the Enigma drawings were made during an eight year period beginning in January 1964. Burnett writes: “the series gained instant notoriety when ten of the drawings (including this lot) were included in the representation of his work for the 1964 Venice Biennale. Two of the drawings were found to be offensive by a cardinal... who ordered them removed.” Harold Town was amused by this and Burnett quotes him as quipping “It’s ironic that the pictures were removed on the complaint of a cardinal. I regard censorship as a cardinal sin.”

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 138
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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.