Canadian Fine Art Auction

May 26, 2014

LOT 51

Lot 51

ARTHUR LISMER, O.S.A., R.C.A.

ARTHUR LISMER, O.S.A., R.C.A.
Lot 51 Details
ARTHUR LISMER, O.S.A., R.C.A.

FALLEN TREES, FOREST, B.C.

oil on panel
signed and dated ‘60; signed, titled and dated 1960 on the reverse
16 ins x 12 ins; 40.6 cms x 30.5 cms

Estimate $18,000-$22,000

Realised: $18,880
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
ARTHUR LISMER, O.S.A., R.C.A.
  • ARTHUR LISMER, O.S.A., R.C.A.
Provenance:

Walter Klinkhoff Gallery, Montreal
Private Collection, British Columbia

Literature:

Dennis Reid, Canadian Jungle: The Later Work of Arthur Lismer, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, 1985, page 55.

Note:

During the second half of the fifties, Lismer produced numerous studies of skunk cabbages and the tidal pools of the west coast. However, as Dennis Reid, points out: "Lismer's principal subject had become the single tree, isolated in the dense forest. Sometimes almost lost in the lush blue green, and pink undergrowth that engulfs it... or at other times standing relatively clear, like some mysterious totem..." While images such as this lot seem familiar enough and are mistakenly dismissed as "late" works, they are not only complex compositions but enormously important to understanding Lismer's practice. Reid postulates: "Some might consider it (the tree) a visual metaphor for art, or the artist.”

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 51
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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.