Canadian Fine Art Auction

May 29, 2017

LOT 39

Lot 39

MARC-AURÈLE FORTIN, A.R.C.A.

MARC-AURÈLE FORTIN, A.R.C.A.
Lot 39 Details
MARC-AURÈLE FORTIN, A.R.C.A.

LES BARQUES, CIRCA 1942

pastel on tinted paper
signed
19 ins x 26.25 ins; 64.8 cms x 48.3 cms

Estimate $10,000-$15,000

Realised: $9,375
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
MARC-AURÈLE FORTIN, A.R.C.A.
  • MARC-AURÈLE FORTIN, A.R.C.A.
  • MARC-AURÈLE FORTIN, A.R.C.A.
  • MARC-AURÈLE FORTIN, A.R.C.A.
Provenance:

Private Collection, Quebec

Note:

Marc-Aurèle Fortin (1888-1970) maintained the idea of painting on black or grey backgrounds came to him while in Europe, ca. 1935. This work, which has been dated circa 1942, exploits the dark tint of its paper support, which serves as a dramatic foil to this rich composition. The barques - masted sailing vessels - are arranged as much to evoke a plein air still life as accessories to the seascape beyond. Barques have an ancient lineage and were the work horses of the lower St. Lawrence during the settlement of New France. They continued to be in use certainly during Fortin's lifetime and contemporaneously all over the world. 

While Fortin's work is normally associated with an expressive use of colour, in Les Barques the colour is as much representational, if not somewhat restrained.  The artist seems intent on giving the sea and sky equal billing in this production. In so many of Fortin's pictures, the sky dominates and here it also sets an awesome tone. The grey-black gathering storm clouds give license to the captains of these boats to take shelter. Beached, or moored a-tilt in shallow water, the triumvirate of rotund vessels are imbued with an anthropomorphism that persuades us that Les Barques have earned the respite these shores offer. 

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 39
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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.