Canadian Fine Art Auction

May 26, 2014

LOT 142

Lot 142

FREDERIC MARLETT BELL-SMITH, O.S.A., R.C.A.

FREDERIC MARLETT BELL-SMITH, O.S.A., R.C.A.
Lot 142 Details
FREDERIC MARLETT BELL-SMITH, O.S.A., R.C.A.

THE BUSIEST PLACE IN THE WORLD

watercolour on card
signed; titled and signed on the reverse
10.5 ins x 14.5 ins; 26.7 cms x 36.8 cms

Estimate $2,500-$3,000

Realised: $7,080
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
FREDERIC MARLETT BELL-SMITH, O.S.A., R.C.A.
  • FREDERIC MARLETT BELL-SMITH, O.S.A., R.C.A.
Provenance:

Private Collection, Ottawa

Literature:

Roger Boulet, Frederic Marlett Bell-Smith (1846-1923), Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Victoria, 1977, page 104, plate 95 for a very closely related work entitled The Heart of the Empire, 1909, in the collection of the Vancouver City Archives and Vancouver Centennial Museum.

Note:

Boulet’s description of the large watercolour in the Vancouver City Archives, which he calls “this most impressive watercolour,” could well describe this lot: “Both motor-driven and horse-drawn vehicles are shown in this virtuoso piece, in which the depth is achieved by an active and rather colourful foreground set against a bluish and hazy architectural background. The Bank of England is on the left of the picture, while the Royal Exchange is the dominant building of what was the ‘economic’ centre of the Empire.”

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 142
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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.