Joyner’s Canadian Art Auction

June 01, 2010

LOT 26

Lot 26

FREDERIC MARLETT BELL-SMITH, O.S.A., R.C.A.

FREDERIC MARLETT BELL-SMITH, O.S.A., R.C.A.
Lot 26 Details
FREDERIC MARLETT BELL-SMITH, O.S.A., R.C.A.

A SNOW-CLAD MOUNTAIN IN THE ROCKIES, A RAILWAY TRACK IN THE FOREGROUND

watercolour
signed and dated 1888
27.5 ins x 19.5 ins; 68.8 cms x 48.8 cms

Estimate $7,000-$9,000

Realised: $10,620
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Provenance:

Private Collection, Port Hope, Ontario.

Literature:

Roger Boulet, Frederic Martlett Bell-Smith, (1846-1923), Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Victoria, 1977, page 91, plate 70, for a similar watercolour entitled Mt. Carrol.

Boulet writes that many artists have said the Rocky Mountains were impossible to paint. However, he states that few Canadian artists have painted them as successfully as Bell-Smith. Boulet’s description of Mt. Carrol explains “The success of this watercolour of Mt. Carrol depends principally on Bell-Smith’s ability to make the mountain convincing in scale and its actual formation. The soft alpine meadow in the foreground is the perfect contrast to the hard and cold peak.” This account could perfectly describe this lot.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 26
×

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.