The Canada Auction

Auction begins to close:
June 09, 2022 at 8:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 3

Lot 3

JOHN LITTLE, R.C.A (b. 1928)

JOHN LITTLE, R.C.A (b. 1928)
Lot 3 Details
JOHN LITTLE, R.C.A (b. 1928)

RUE DE BULLION, MTL, 1981

oil on canvas
signed; signed, titled and dated '81 to stretcher; also titled and dated to gallery label on the reverse
24 ins x 30 ins; 61 cms x 76.2 cms

Estimate $15,000-$20,000

Realised: $16,800
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
JOHN LITTLE, R.C.A (b. 1928)
  • JOHN LITTLE, R.C.A (b. 1928)
  • JOHN LITTLE, R.C.A (b. 1928)
  • JOHN LITTLE, R.C.A (b. 1928)
  • JOHN LITTLE, R.C.A (b. 1928)
  • JOHN LITTLE, R.C.A (b. 1928)
Provenance:

Kastel Gallery Inc., Montreal, QC;
Private collection, Montreal, QC

Note:

Little painted rue de Bullion several times during his career. Named for Angélique de Bullion, a Paris-born philanthropist influential in the foundation of Montreal, the street runs through the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood.

Many of the subjects Little painted were slated for demolition, and the assault on Montreal’s traditional architecture was a central preoccupation for the artist. Much of his work attempts to chronicle the city’s urban heritage before it disappears, seen by Little as an architectural “family album.” However, in the case of this urban scene, the buildings it depicts appear to be extant: located at 4017 and 4013 rue de Bullion, facing towards rue Napoleon—give or take a few trees.

It is also worth noting that someone—perhaps the artist—has written out the entire roster of the 1935 minor league baseball team the Montreal Royals on the stretcher bars on the verso, right down to the bat boy. The Royals are perhaps best known for having fielded Jackie Robinson for the 1946 season. It is a mystery as to why Little wrote down this detailed list of names, as the location of Delorimier Downs, where the team played, is in the Ville Marie neighbourhood—a fair distance away. One wonders if one of the players lived on rue de Bullion, or the subject was top of mind while Little was painting—perhaps a game of memory?

See street view

CONDITION DETAILS

No issues to report. Overall very good condition.

Please contact the specialist for further condition information.

LOT 3
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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.