Canadian Fine Art Auction

May 29, 2017

LOT 64

Lot 64

WILLIAM RONALD, R.C.A.

WILLIAM RONALD, R.C.A.
Lot 64 Details
WILLIAM RONALD, R.C.A.

HODGSON’S GNOSIS

acrylic on canvas
signed and dated ‘86; also titled and dated “Friday June 13th 1986” on the reverse
36 ins x 36 ins; 91.4 cms x 91.4 cms

Estimate $7,000-$9,000

Realised: $9,600
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
WILLIAM RONALD, R.C.A.
  • WILLIAM RONALD, R.C.A.
  • WILLIAM RONALD, R.C.A.
Provenance:

Private Collection, Toronto

Note:

William Ronald (1926-1998) and Tom Hodgson were members of Painters Eleven, a Toronto-based group of abstract painters in the 1950s. Both were influenced by American Action Painters, particularly Willem de Kooning. Hodgson painted on a large scale, applying his characteristically vivid colours with bravura brushstrokes and palette knives. In the 1980s, Hodgson continued to paint in an abstract expressionist style. In Hodgson’s Gnosis, Ronald appears to be paying homage to his contemporary and former colleague. Using an action painter’s technique, Ronald has poured white paint onto a wine-coloured layer of paint, creating two central shapes, around which he brushed greens and blues, adding a few drips or touches of green. The result appears to be an aerial view of two islands, with channels running through and between them. This is possibly a reference to Hodgson’s childhood on Toronto Island as well as his Olympic paddling success. Hodgson’s “mystical knowledge” referred to in the title may be his innate understanding of paint handling and colour, as well as his knowledge of paddling in and around the islands.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 64
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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.