Canadian Fine Art Auction

November 27, 2013

LOT 47

Lot 47

JEAN ALBERT MCEWEN, R.C.A.

JEAN ALBERT MCEWEN, R.C.A.
Lot 47 Details
JEAN ALBERT MCEWEN, R.C.A.

LE PREMIER MOULIN DE MYKONOS

oil on canvas
signed, titled and dated “November ‘63” on the reverse
50 ins x 50 ins; 127 cms x 127 cms

Estimate $40,000-$50,000

Realised: $40,120
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
JEAN ALBERT MCEWEN, R.C.A.
  • JEAN ALBERT MCEWEN, R.C.A.
  • JEAN ALBERT MCEWEN, R.C.A.
Provenance:

The Estate of Oscar Peterson, Ontario

Literature:

Constance Naubert-Riser, Jean McEwen Colour in Depth, The Paintings and Works on Paper 1951-1987, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1987, pages 39 and 44.

Note:

Colour in Depth, the apropos title of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts’ 1987-88 retrospective of Jean McEwen’s work was the artist’s sole focus for 30 years: the question of how a flat surface could , without the traditional devices of perspective and shading (chiaroscuro), create depth. As early as 1955, McEwen identified an approach that would determine the course of his efforts for years to come. Naubert-Riser explains: “...[his] painting would be closely identified with the two-dimensionality of its support, and the logic intrinsic to the canvas would now determine the organization of its planes.” She continues: [1963] was a year of significant transition...what can be discerned is a gradual movement away from the dominant vertical composition towards a cruciform structure. The introduction of the cruciform shape onto the pictorial plane allowed the artist to bring into surface evidence an element of support: the cross-shaped struts across which the canvas is stretched. The far corners and their relationship with the central shape became, for a time, the focal point of McEwen’s investigation.”

CONDITION DETAILS

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LOT 47
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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.