Lot 31
FRANK HANS JOHNSTON, O.S.A., R.C.A.
Additional Images
Provenance:
Private Collection, Ontario
Note:
An original member of the Group of Seven, Franz Johnston is known as a master painter of light. He painted most often in oils, but it is in his works in tempera paint that his Art Nouveau influences really shine. A simple scene of a small cabin in a dense forest reveals his very keen eye for colour where the myriad shades of blue contrast with the warm glow of sunlight on snow and the rays peeking through the gaps in the tall red-trunked pine trees.
While former colleagues like Lawren Harris moved toward the modernism of the 20th century, Johnston instead moved backward in time. His work increasingly took on the narrative qualities of classic 19th century landscapes. This offering, Cabin in Snowy Woods, captures the dreamy point at which the two traditions intersect. There is something not-of-this-world about the small structure perched on the edge of a commanding forest. The lonely, blueish tint offers a counterpoint to what may be his most famous piece, Shack in the Woods. Maybe something can be taken from the fact that the cabin in snowy woods is throwing up no smoke from a fire - unlike its counterpart, it is unoccupied. It stands alone.
CONDITION DETAILS
The work is in good condition with some minor condition issues. Please contact us for a detailed condition report.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and mandated government restrictions, Waddington’s regrets that we are unable to make lots from this auction available for pre-auction, in-person inspection. This condition report has been prepared by Waddington’s as a courtesy and has been provided for guidance only. The Lot is offered in the condition it is in at the time of sale. Any reference to condition in the report for the Lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the Lot form part of the condition report for the Lot provided by Waddington’s. Please note, certain images of the Lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the Lot and may represent colours and shades which are different to the Lot’s actual colour and shades. Waddington’s specialists are not professional conservators or restorers and the report set forth is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Waddington’s. Prospective buyers should bear in mind that this report will not disclose any imperfections which may only be revealed during the course of subsequent restoration. Buyers are reminded that Waddington’s warranties with respect to any property are limited as set forth in the Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition.