Canadian Fine Art Auction

May 26, 2014

LOT 77

Lot 77

ALFRED PELLAN, R.C.A.

ALFRED PELLAN, R.C.A.
Lot 77 Details
ALFRED PELLAN, R.C.A.

SANS TITRE

oil on canvas
inscribed “photographie” on the reverse
31 ins x 21.25 ins; 78.7 cms x 54 cms

Estimate $12,000-$15,000

Realised: $12,100
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
ALFRED PELLAN, R.C.A.
  • ALFRED PELLAN, R.C.A.
Provenance:

Private Collection, Ontario

Literature:

Natalie Lukcyj, Other Realities: The Legacy of Surrealism in Canadian Art, Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Kingston, Ontario, 1978, pages 9-10.

Note:

Pellan resided in Paris from 1926-1940. He was among the earliest Canadian adopters of the methods of free association related to Surrealism and his role in introducing avant-garde thought to Quebec painters cannot be underestimated. Natalie Luckyj affirms "Exhibitions of Pellan's work in both Montreal and Quebec City produced the vital impact so necessary to French-Canadian art at this time, enabling it to break away from nineteenth century traditions." Borduas himself viewed Pellan as a direct source for contemporary European ideas about art and, according to according to Luckyj, when the father of Surrealism, André Breton, visited Canada in 1944 he "ignored Borduas and Les Sagittaires, preferring to visit his old friend Pellan." Eventually, differences of opinion about the interpretation and application of Surrealist tenets drove a wedge between Pellan and Borduas, and painters who orbited them were compelled to choose a side. Those who accepted Borduas' approach became known at Les Automatistes. The group that gathered around Pellan, Prisme d'Yeux. 

Painted circa 1930.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 77
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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.