The Canada Auction

June 0409, 2022
Auction begins to close at 8:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 64

Lot 64

NORVAL H. MORRISSEAU (1932-2007)

NORVAL H. MORRISSEAU (1932-2007)
Lot 64 Details
NORVAL H. MORRISSEAU (1932-2007), Anishinaabe (Ojibwe)

NUDE WOMAN WITH SNAKE, CIRCA 1970

oil on illustration board
signed in syllabics
sight 28 ins x 23 ins; 71.1 cms x 58.4 cms

Estimate $8,000-$10,000

Realised: $7,200
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
NORVAL H. MORRISSEAU (1932-2007)
  • NORVAL H. MORRISSEAU (1932-2007)
  • NORVAL H. MORRISSEAU (1932-2007)
Provenance:

Acquired directly from the artist;
Estate of Stan Lozenski;
Private collection, Ontario

Accompanied with a notarized letter of supporting provenance.

Note:

A recurring theme in Morrisseau’s work, in Nude Women with Snake, interconnected circles sit wrapped around, and in close proximity to figures, in this instance a serpent intertwined with a woman.

As in many works by the artist, images are steeped in concepts and stories inspired by imagery reclaimed from Midewiwin, a secretive religion common among Anishinaabeg, about which little is divulged to those uninitiated into its rites. While definite meaning may elude us in Morrisseau’s artworks, the power and emotion with which the images are imbued resonate among collectors and those who knew the artist.

This painting was given by Morrisseau to Stan Lozenski, a guard at the Kenora, Ontario jail. Lozenski befriended Morrisseau during his time in the region and assisted him in his need to continue painting by buying art supplies for him directly. As a gesture of gratitude, the artist gave several paintings to Lozenski. The works were hung on the walls of the Lozenskis’ cabin outside Kenora until Stan’s death in 1988, after which his wife tucked the paintings into spare bedrooms and closets in their home. This is the first time that these 1970s paintings will be offered at auction.

CONDITION DETAILS

Overall very good condition. Note that this painting has not been removed from its housing for inspection.

Please contact the specialist for further condition information.

LOT 64
×

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.