Canadian Fine Art Auction

November 23, 2015

LOT 45

Lot 45

WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A.

WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A.
Lot 45 Details
WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A.

THE SKATING PARTY

mixed media on masonite
signed with initials and dated ‘76; titled on the reverse
7.5 ins x 11.75 ins; 19.1 cms x 29.8 cms

Estimate $25,000-$30,000

Realised: $82,600
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

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

Private Collection, Ontario

Literature:

William Kurelek, Someone With Me, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 1973, page 127.

Note:

Snow scenes number among William Kurelek’s most popular and beloved subjects. The Skating Party brings many generations of a family together in a playful narrative. Teetering on skates, both the old and the young tumble and zip across the ice clad in warm, vividly-coloured winter wear. While some are sure-footed on the slippery, blue surface, others are encouraged or supported by their loved ones to hold firm to their balance. There is an excitement and an energy to the wintry scene, a feeling of love and camaraderie, that remains unfettered by the cold.

Recalling his own childhood experiences of winter on the Manitoba prairies, Kurelek writes, “When (the blizzard is) over, there is an equally dramatic aftermath! A crystal clear sky and temperature down to 40 degrees or so below zero. The air is so crisp, clear and still that sounds carry in it like magic...” In The Skating Party, Kurelek takes the bitter out of the cold and replaces it with a magical, warm-glow usually reserved to a cup (or two) of cocoa.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 45
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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.