Provenance:

The Fine Art Galleries, T. Eaton Company Limited, Toronto.
Robert Hood Saunders (Mayor of Toronto, 1945-1948).
Private Collection, Toronto.

Note:

The title of this work by Franz Johnston captures effectively a great deal of the rich atmosphere displayed within the winter landscape. The long blue shadows stretch across the crisp blanket of snow, contrasted against the powerful rays of light which fight through the bending trees, streaking towards the winding turquoise brook within. The dark blues of the stream illustrate the depth and frigidity of the water, the presence of rushing body heralding the rapid approach of spring.

A gift from Chinese constituents to Mrs. Robert Hood Saunders, a dedication attached the reverse of the painting translates to read in part, “the great gift with respect to the first lady, Mrs. Mayor...” Illustrating the high regard held for Robert Hood Saunders, Fred Gardiner, chairman of Metropolitan Toronto Council, remembered the former mayor following his untimely death, saying “…Bob Saunders’ life was a series of successes which only a man of his dynamic energy and ability could accomplish”.