Canadian Fine Art Auction

November 23, 2015

LOT 65

Lot 65

ARTHUR LISMER, O.S.A., R.C.A.

ARTHUR LISMER, O.S.A., R.C.A.
Lot 65 Details
ARTHUR LISMER, O.S.A., R.C.A.

FOREST INTERIOR

oil on board
inscribed on the reverse “Class demonstration by Dr. Lismer at Montreal Museum of Fine Arts”
16 ins x 12 ins; 40.6 cms x 30.5 cms

Estimate $12,000-$15,000

Realised: $23,600
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
ARTHUR LISMER, O.S.A., R.C.A.
  • ARTHUR LISMER, O.S.A., R.C.A.
  • ARTHUR LISMER, O.S.A., R.C.A.
Provenance:

Gift of the artist
Private Collection, Toronto (by descent)

Literature:

Lewis, interview with author, 7 March 1988, quoted in Angela Nairne Grigor, Arthur Lismer: Visionary art Educator, McGill University Press, Montreal, 2002, page 203.

Angela Nairne Grigor, Arthur Lismer: Visionary art Educator, McGill University Press, Montreal, 2002, page 204.

Note:

During his time at Art Association of Montreal, now the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Lismer introduced the series “Artists in Action.” As the title suggests, the invited artists were asked to create a work of art in the span of a single session, as audiences - ranging from children and high school students to professional artists and white-collar workers - closely observed them.

To sculptor Stanley Lewis, one of the many prominent artists who took part in the project, Lismer’s purpose was to “demystify the idea of creativity… he wanted to show the process of creativity.”

Lismer himself participated in the series in November 1963, painting three artworks during the session, including this lot. Captivated by Lismer’s energy, a reporter described the artist as flying towards the painting with a brush and a palette knife, bringing to life “a forest scene in brilliant blues, greens, and yellows.”

“Artists in Action,” is a quintessential example of Lismer’s innovative teaching philosophy and views on art and art institutions. To specialist Angela Nairne Grigor, the series reflects the painter’s “ongoing concern to involve the general public in art experiences and a clear reminder to those who might have forgotten that the main purpose of a museum was to educate.”

This lot is being sold together with a copy of a letter from the original owner describing its provenance.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 65
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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.