Auction season has started again. Certainly, as we know in this ever-changing situation in North America, some shake-ups have occurred in the major New York sales and in Europe. In Canada, the early season online sales have captured some success, encouraging news for the live and online season, which we are now watching.
Arthur Lismer, “McGregor Bay Islands,” left, sold for $1.35 million; on the right, Yves Gaucher's “Ocres, jaune et vert,” sold for $120,000.
Three standouts from this season:
- At Heffel Fine Art Auction House, Arthur Lismer's McGregor Bay Islands, which sold for $1.35 million. Painted in 1925, it's a great painting with an excellent history.
- At Cowley Abbott, Yves Gaucher's Ocres, jaune et vert. Painted in 1974, it sold for $120,000 — a record price for his work.
Marion Nicoll, “Self Portrait,” 1959, oil on canvas, 30 ¼" x 24 ¼" (sold by Hodgins for $72,000)
- And at Hodgins, a dark horse — one that received unexpected but well-deserved attention: Marion Nicoll's Self Portrait, painted in 1959. It sold for $72,000, a record for her artworks.
Levis Fine Art Auctions: Calgary
Calgary, April 27, 2025, online.
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A.J. Casson, “White Pine,” 1947-53, gouache on paperboard, 29” x 39 ¼" (sold at Levis for $160,000)
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John W. Beatty, “Fall Colours, Sunset, Algonquin Park,” oil on wood panel, 3 ¾" x 5 ½" (sold at Levis for $4,500)
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Luke Orton Lindoe, “Untitled - Mount Assiniboine,” 1940s, oil on wood board, 29 ¾" x 30" (sold at Levis for $8,000)
Lot 12, John W. Beatty, Fall Colours, Sunset, Algonquin Park, no date. Est. $1,500-$2,500. Sold: $5,265. This tiny wood panel featured exquisite colour and brushwork. Beatty captured this special place well.
Lot 39, A.J. Casson, White Pine, circa 1947 to 1953. Est. $60,000-$80,000. Sold: $187,200. This well-known classic by Casson is gouache on paper board, beautifully designed and handled perfectly by the artist. It is a stellar piece gaining strong interest.
Lot 98, Luke Lindoe, Untitled - Mount Assiniboine, 1940s. Est. $5,000-$7,000. Sold: $9,380. Apparently, this was a commission request by the owners. I have not seen this subject before by Lindoe, but his capture of the prominent peak was highly original compared to the standard view from the lodge. He was high above, capturing a foreground of rack forms and the glaciers and summit perfectly against the sky.
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Daphne Odjig, “In the Warmth of the Sun,” 1985, acrylic on canvas, 23 ¾" x 20" (sold at Levis for $27,500)
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Frederick H. Varley, “Waterfall, Northern Stream,” 1914, oil on wood panel, 8 ½" x 10 ½" (sold at Levis for $47,500)
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J.E.H. MacDonald, “Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia,” oil on paperboard, 8 ½” x 10 ¼” (sold at Levis for $32,500)
Lot 109, J.E.H. MacDonald, Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, no date. Est. $25,000-$35,000. Sold: $38,025. A quiet setting at the docks, the sail and winch capturing my attention, with an intriguing background of colour and light. It is a small gem obviously sketched on site, which was a method he brought to the Rockies.
Lot 122, Daphne Odjig, In the Warmth of the Sun, 1985. Est. $200-$30,000. Sold: $32,175. The collector won an excellent painting with the final bid. The abstraction of colours and perspective Odjig created is everything that made her stand out. Her work is currently part of the: P.N.I.A.I. (Group of Indigenous 7) on now at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff. It is a brilliant exhibit, curated by Joseph Sanchez, the last surviving member.
Lot 156, Frederick H. Varley, Waterfall, Northern Stream, circa 1914. Est. $15,000-$20,000. Sold: $55,575. A small panel with bold brushstrokes and colour captures the movement of water over the rocks with perfection. Interestingly, on the verso, there is an inscription that reads Algoma Waterfall, but a knowledgeable family member pointed out Varley never went there with members of the Group of Seven. He was very independent.
Ben McLeod, “Untitled, Circles and Planes,” 2013, metal sculpture, 45" x 18" x 10 ½" (sold at Levis for $12,000)
Lot 246, Ben McLeod, Untitled, Circles & Planes, 2013. Est. $1,000-$1.500. Sold: $14,040. Certainly, this was a well-deserved record for McLeod’s sculpture. As an artist, he has been exhibiting in Calgary for many years and has created some brilliant original sculptures. He continues to work with drawing, relief sculptures and large. He is an original of the best kind.
Michael N. Yahgulanaas, “Residential,” 2011, mixed media on paper, 36" x 21 ¾" (sold at Levis for $7,000)
Lot 271, Michael N. Yahgulanaas, Residential, 2011. Est. $2,000-$3,000. Sold: $8,190. One of my favourites of the West Coast Contemporary artists. When it comes to drawing and watercolour, his skill is astounding.
Overall, the sale attracted many bidders with positive results for Levis owners Cheryl Sonley and Andrea Lowe.
Heffel Fine Art Auction House
Postwar and Contemporary Art, Toronto, May 22, 2025; live and online sale.
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E.J. Hughes, “Indian Life,” 1938, watercolour, graphite and gouache on paperboard, 9 ⅞" x 11 ⅛" (sold at Heffel Fine Art for $40,250)
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Doris McCarthy, “Iceberg Fantasy #32,” 1985, oil on canvas, 60" x 84 in" (sold at Heffel Fine Art for $133,250)
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Alex Simeon Janvier, “99 Goes Hollywood,” 1988, acrylic on canvas, 48" x 60" (sold at Heffel Fine Art for $157,250)
Lot 1, E.J. Hughes, Indian Life, 1938. Est. $30,000-$40,000. Sold $40,250. Although the title reflects the era, this compelling small drawing combines elements of coastal life of the Indigenous people that Hughes knew. He appreciated who they were and wished to protect the history.
Lot 9, Doris McCarthy, Iceberg Fantasy #32, 1985. Est. $60,000-$80,000. Sold: $133,250. McCarthy loved painting these Fantasies, based on sketches and ideas from her 1970s trips to the north. For her, they were a way to paint abstractly, with colour, light and brilliant forms. The provenance — Aggregation Gallery in Toronto — is excellent; the gallery exhibited her work with respect.
Lot 14, Alex Janvier, 99 Goes Hollywood, 1988. Est. $40,000-$60,000. Sold: $157,250. Janvier always had a witty humour, and the title reflects that well. A 2016 photo of Janvier and Gretzky is featured in the catalogue. The provenance of this fine painting is Gallery Moos in Toronto. The collector was Dr. Luigi Rossi. His collection of prime Canadian art reflects his love and strong support.
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Rita Letendre, “Germition,” 1961, oil on canvas, 36" x 42" (sold at Heffel Fine Art for $181,250)
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Christopher Pratt, “Private School,” 1987, oil on canvas, 75" x 39" (sold at Heffel Fine Art for $265,250)
Lot 20, Rita Letendre, Germition, 1961. Est. $45,000-$65,000. Sold: $181,250. A dynamic, energetic work, full of deep colour and forms, the abstraction is so experimental for Letendre. The early 1960s were her entry into Canadian contemporary art, but of course, like so many Canadian women artists, it was not until the late 1970s that she gained the respect overall granted to many male artists of the time. From the collection of Dr. Luigi Rossi.
Lot 28, Christopher Pratt, Private School, 1987. Est. $150,000-$200,000. Sold $265,200. A perfect example of memory, architecture and mystery, that only Pratt could present. Knowing the culture of private schools, I personally admired this painting. He captured some personal memories. Provenance is Mira Godard Gallery in Toronto, where I hung a number of Pratt’s exhibitions and enjoyed his company.
Jean Paul Riopelle, “Sans titre,” 1977, oil on canvas, 57 ⅞" x 98 13/16" (sold at Heffel Fine Art for $361,250)
Lot 29, Jean Paul Riopelle, Sans Titre, 1977. Est. $300,000-$500,000. Sold: $361,250. My favourite of the Riopelle works within the sale. I have always liked his mid-1960s to 1970s work, which was often bold and exciting. This one is full of life.
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Jean Paul Riopelle, “Sans titre,” 1952, oil on canvas, 47 ¼" x 78 ¾" (available after the sale ended at Heffel Fine Art)
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Jack Hamilton Bush, “Red Loop Low,” 1971, acrylic polymer on canvas, 79" x 51 ½" (available after the sale ended at Heffel Fine Art)
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Claude Tousignant, “Phthalo Cadmium,” 1974, acrylic on canvas (diptych), 36" x 36" (available after the sale ended at Heffel Fine Art)
There were certainly other standout sales this session, especially with Marcel Ferron and Daphne Odjig, but some artworks caught my attention but didn’t sell: Lot 21, Jean Paul Riopelle 1952, was passed over at $5 million; Lot 30, Jack Bush and Claude Tousignant, lot 33. The market can be fickle in Canada.
Heffel, Canadian Impressionist and Modern Art, Toronto, May 22, 2025; live and online sale.
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M. Yvonne McKague Housser, “Miners’ Shacks, Cobalt / Mulleins” (verso) 1926–1932, double-sided oil on canvas, 22 ½" x 31 ⅞" (sold at Heffel Fine Art for $145,250)
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A.J. Casson, “Holiday Island,” 1955, oil on canvas on board, 20" x 24" (sold at Heffel Fine Art for $241,250)
Lot 109, M. Yvonne McKague Housser, Miner’s Shacks, Colbalt/Mulleins (verso) 1926. Est. $100,000-$150,000. Sold: $145,250. This double-sided oil on canvas of Cobalt, a town painted by numerous Canadian artists, was one of the very best. The dark moodiness of industry is elevated by her bold colours and capture of the shacks, where the miners resided. On the verso, the soft beauty of mullein plants is a strong contrast.
Lot 115, A.J. Casson, Holiday Island, 1955. Est. $70,000-$90,000. Sold: $241,250. This caught my eye at the preview. My favourite period for Casson is the 1950s. His use of design and colour was brilliant.
Heffel, Property of the University Club of Toronto, Toronto, live and online sale.
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Arthur Lismer, “McGregor Bay Islands,” 1925, oil on canvas, 32 ¼" x 40 ¼" (sold at Heffel Fine Art for $1,621,250)
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Lawren Harris, “Northern Lake,” 1926, oil on canvas, 36 ½" x 45 ½" (sold at Heffel Fine Art for $3,121,250)
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Franklin Carmichael, “Leaf Pattern,” 1922, oil on canvas, 40 ⅛" x 48 ¼" (sold at Heffel Fine Art for $2,281,250)
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A.Y. Jackson, “Night on the Skeena River,” 1927, oil on canvas, 25 ¼" x 32 ⅛" (sold at Heffel Fine Art for $1,081,250)
Lot 118, Lawren Harris, Northern Lake, 1926. Est. $2 million-$3 million. Sold: $3,121,250. This painting, originally owned by Mrs. Walter Massie who bought it in 1926, was gifted to the University Club by R.S. Waldie in 1959. There it remained, coming up for sale for the first time at Heffel. Harris won a gold medal for this work at the Sesqui-Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1926. (The excellent catalogue entries are worth your attention.)
Lot 119, Franklin Carmichael, Leaf Pattern, 1922. Est. $700,000-$900,000. Sold: $2,282,250. My dear friend Joan Murray called it a masterpiece, and I agree. It was gifted to the University Club by R.S. Waldie. This painting achieved a record for Carmichael’s work. Well deserved.
Lot 120, Arthur Lismer, McGregor Bay Islands, 1925. Est. $100,000-$150,000. Sold: $1,621,250. This exquisite painting “demonstrates Lismer’s genius,” according to Ian Thom. The provenance reveals an excellent history of private collectors and Canadian art dealers. It was owned first by H.S. Southam of Ottawa, and then sold by Blair Laing of Laing Gallery to the University Club.
Lot 126, A.Y. Jackson, Night on the Skeena River, 1927. Est. $800,000-$1 million. Sold: $1,081,250. A masterwork by Jackson, dramatic with soaring northern nights. Toronto art historian Adam Lauder wrote an essay on it, worth reading, with the history and provenance of Montreal’s Galerie Walter Klinkhoff. This painting set a record for A.Y. Jackson’s work.
The sale ended well, with interested collectors chasing important Canadian art history. Overall, a $22 million-dollar evening. Well done.
BYDealers
Important Canadian Art, Montreal; May 27, 2025; online.
A sale of Quebec and Canadian Art, plus British sculptors Henry Moore and Lynn Chadwick. The estimates overall are based primarily on retail values. Many lots sold within the range.
Jean Paul Lemieux, “Sans titre / Untitled,” 1978, oil on canvas, 5 ¼" x 5 ¼" (sold at ByDealers for $37,200)
Alex Janvier, “Blazing August,” 1982, acrylic on canvas, 23 ¼" x 20" (sold at ByDealers for $22,800)
Lot 08, Jean Paul Lemieux, Sans Titre, circa 1978. Est. $15,000-$20,000. Sold $37,200. A wonderful tiny sketch: lively brush, two figures on a white ground. I always like to see these imaginative creations.
Lot 13, Alex Janvier, Blazing August, 1982. Est. $18,000-$20,000. Sold: $22,800. A beautiful flowing image on a white ground. This was bought at Gallery Moos, likely from one of Alex’s first exhibitions. The collector who bought it made a wise decision.
Henry Moore, “Head of Girl,” 1960 (cast 1973), bronze, 9 ½" x 8 ½" x 5" (sold at ByDealers for $66,000)
Henry Moore, “Woman Reading,” 1946 (cast 1972–1977), bronze with patina, 5" x 2 ½" x 2 ¾” ("sold at ByDealers for $42,000)
Lots 22-23, Henry Moore, Head of a Girl, 1960, (cast 1973). Est. $60,000-$80,000. Sold: $66,000. Woman Reading, 1946, (cast 1972-77). Est. $40,000-$60,000. Sold: $42,000. Both had fine historic provenance, excellent small bronze works.
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Claude Tousignant, “Accélérateur chromatique 96” 1968, acrylic on canvas, 96 ⅛" d. (sold at ByDealers for $810,000)
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Jean Paul Riopelle, “Hibou-roc,” 1969–70 (cast 2010), bronze, lost wax, 21 ½" x 17 ¼" x 10 ¾" (sold at ByDealers $105,000)
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Marcelle Ferron,“Hourvari,“ 1954–1955, oil on canvas, 14" x 19 ¾" (sold at ByDealers for $144,000)
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Jacques Hurtubise, “Rosa mere,” 1974, acrylic on canvas, 48 ½" x 96 ½" polyptych comprising 18 square paintings (sold at ByDealers for $111,000)
Lot 25, Jean Paul Riopelle, Hibou – roc, 1969-70 (cast 2010). Est. $70,000-$90,000. Sold: $105,000. One of Riopelle’s best owls. The way he worked the original clay with his fingers and thumbs creates such an abstract surface, yet captures the image. With provenance from Galerie Simon Blais.
Lot 32, Claude Tousignant, Accélérateur chromatique 90, 1968. Est. $650,000-$850,000. Sold: $810,000. This stunning 96-inch circle of chromatic colour, created at a prime time in his career, deserved the attention.
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Evan Penny, “L. Faux: Tri–X White,” 2004, silicone, pigment, and hair, 60" x 48" x 10" (sold at ByDealers for $42,000)
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Kenneth Lum, “Sam Wah and Sons,” 2004, plexiglass, glue, plastic, and lacquered aluminum, 84" x 84 ¼" (sold at ByDealers for $22,800)
Lot 33, Jacques Hurtubise, Rosamère, 1974. Est. $60,000-$80,000. Sold: $111,000. Created in Hurtubise’s prime period, this exciting energetic large painting generated strong interest.
Lot 39, Marcelle Ferron, Hourvari, 1954-55. Est. $90,000-$120,000. Sold: $144,000. Ferron’s work excels. This small canvas, with its strong Borduas palette and influence, was quite dynamic.
Lot 64, Ken Lum, Sam Wah and Sons, 2004. Est. $20,000-$30,000. Sold: $22,800. Quite a story Ken tells in this word billboard, a lot of history with a few words. Not often do we see Lum’s works come up. Nice to see this found a collector.
Lot 67, Evan Penny, L.Faux: Tri-X-White, 2004. Est. $50,000-$60,000. Sold: $42,000. An “electrified image” of a woman, as only Penny can imagine. He created movement within the image, an illusion that does not cease.
BYDealers presented live previews in Toronto and Montreal of all 67 artworks.
Cowley Abbott Fine Art
Select Masterworks of Canadian and International Art, Toronto, May 28, 2025; live and online sale.
There were some significant sales for the evening sale, which was held at the Globe and Mail Centre in Toronto. Auctioneer Robert Cowley and team had a busy night.
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Andy Warhol, “Turtle (F\&S II.360A),” 1985, colour screenprint on Lenox museum board, 31 ¼" x 39" (sheet) (sold at Cowley Abbott for $114,000)
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John McEwen, “Her Nature,” 1985, two-part bronze sculpture, first part (with deer) 19" x 14" x 10", second part 8" x 14" x 10" (sold at Cowley Abbott for $9,600)
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Frances Anne Hopkins, “Canoes in a Fog, Lake Superior,” 1864, watercolour on paper on pressed paperboard, 14 ½" x 21 ½" sheet (sold at Cowley Abbott for $240,000)
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Emily Carr, “Fir Trees,” 1935, oil on paper laid on board, 36" x 24" (sold at Cowley Abbott for $576,000)
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Marcelle Ferron, Untitled, 1964, oil on canvas, 45" x 57 ¼" (sold at Cowley Abbott for $696,000)
Lot 6, Jack Bush, Face Off, 1970. Est. $20,000-$30,000. Sold: $28,800. This eccentric creation by the artist, painted in gouache on paper, was quite wonderful.
Lot 8, Andy Warhol, Turtle (F&S ii.360A), 1985. Est. $60,000/$80,000. Sold: $136,800. Created two years after Warhol’s endangered species series, this image aligned with his focus on the preservation of wildlife. A complex screenprint that captured the sea turtle well.
Lot 9, John McEwen, Her Nature, 1985. Est. $10,000-$15,000. Sold: $11,616. McEwen, in my opinion, is one of Canada’s great sculptors. His sculptures are one of a kind. This small two-part bronze set a record for McEwan’s work at auction, even though it was below estimate.
Lot 11, Norval Morrisseau, Conversation with our White Brother, 1980. Est. $50,000-$60,000. Sold: $129,600. A special painting by Morrisseau, incredible colour and abstraction throughout. Provenance from Pollock Gallery. This work deserved the attention.
Lot 12, Frances Anne Hopkins, Canoes in a Fog, Lake Superior, 1864. Est.$60,000-$80,000. Sold: $288,000. Hopkins was one of Canada’s early watercolourists, and she was brilliant with the medium. Her works are very rare. A major oil painting related to this subject is owned by the Glenbow in Calgary. The artwork set a new record for her work.
Lot 16, Marcelle Ferron, Sans Titre, 1964. Est. $300,000-$400,000. Sold: $835,200. Ferron's work was chased with interest, and this painting was worth the battle. I viewed it in Calgary at the preview and it is stunning in real life.
Lot 25, Emily Carr, Fir Trees, circa 1935. Est. $275,000-$375,000. Sold: $576,000. A wonderful work on paper, dense, abstract, full of life and colour. Provenance was Dominion Gallery. Max Stern took a chance, and Carr found success.
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Peter Clapham Sheppard, “The Bridge Builders, Construction, Bloor Street Viaduct,” 1915, oil on canvas, 58" x 40" (sold at Cowley Abbott for $180,000)
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Yves Gaucher, “Ocres, jaune et vert,” 1974, oil on canvas, 80" x 100" (sold at Cowley Abbott for $120,000)
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Eugenio Fernández Granell, “Characters coming out of the Clouds,” 1974, oil on canvas, 48" x 36" (sold at Cowley Abbott for $90,000)
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Jessie Willcox Smith, “Study for a Portrait,” n.d., oil on canvas, 30" x 25" (sold at Cowley Abbott for $96,000)
Lot 30, Yves Gaucher, Ocres, jaune et vert, 1974. Est. $40,000-$50,000. Sold: $120,000. A new record for the artist. He deserves more attention.
Lot 35, Peter Clapham Sheppard, The Bridge Builders, Construction, Bloor Street Viaduct, 1915. Est. $100,000-$120,000. Sold: $180,000. This monumental painting tells an incredible history and it was nice to see it live at the Calgary preview. Sheppard was overlooked for many years. Finally his estate came up for sale with Cowley Abbott and things changed. This was directly from the estate and was the second-highest value for his work. Charles Hill’s essay reveals the fascinating history of this subject.
Lot 43, Jessie Willcox Smith, Study for a Portrait, no date. Est. $20,000-$30,000. Sold: $96,000. By one of the most celebrated American Illustrators during the twentieth century, this impressionistic soft-lit image of a young child is timeless. A new global record for her work.
Lot 85, Eugenio Fernández Granell, Characters coming out of the Clouds, 1974. Est. $25,000-$35,000. Sold: $90,000. This artist, writer, musician and political activist was born in Spain. Originally sold by Gallery Manfred, Ontario to a collector, where it remained until this sale, it set a new global record for the artist.
Within this sale were five paintings by the Group of Seven at Lake Superior. All sold with positive results. Also worth noting was a fabulous canvas by Arthur Lismer, lot 65, of fishing gear in a Cape Breton boat, one of the best of these abstract compositions.
And finally, I would be remiss not to mention lot 72, J.E.H. MacDonald, Mt. Hungabee….Lake O’Hara, 1929, a gem that sold well.
Waddingtons
Major Spring Art Auction, Canadian and International Fine Art, Toronto, May 29, 2025; online.
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Mary Pratt, “A Tumble of Fruit in the Afterglow,” 2001, mixed media on paper, 14" x 20" (image) 22 ¾" x 30" (sheet) (sold at Waddington’s for $27,500)
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William Kurelek, “View on Frobisher Bay,” 1968, oil on hardboard, 9 ¾" x 13" (sold at Waddington’s for $56,870)
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Jack Bush, “Solo Soprano #1,” 1975, acrylic on canvas, 51" x 32" (sold at Waddington’s for $208,150)
Lot 311, William Kurelek, View On Frobisher Bay, 1968, Est. $15,000-$20,000. Sold: $56,870. An excellent painting of Kurelek’s early travels north. Exhibited at the AGO, Toronto and the provenance is Isaac’s Gallery, Toronto and Walter Klinkhoff, Montreal
Lot 319 Jack Bush, Solo Soprano #1, 1975. Est. $125,000-$175,000. Sold: $208,150. Great to see strong value in this smaller painting. This painting deserved every bit of the collector’s interest.
Lot 326, Mary Pratt, A Tumble of Fruit in the Afternoon Glow, 2001. Est. $8,000-$10,000. Sold: $27,500. Pratt’s interpretation of the subject and light made this small work on paper an excellent example of just how special she was. Provenance is Equinox Gallery in Vancouver.
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Francisco Zúñiga, “Virginia Sentada con Ropaje,” 1978, bronze with dark brown patina, 31" x 16" x 15" (sold at Waddington’s for $44,670)
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Sabin Balasa, “Prometeu,” 1986, oil on canvas, 35" x 24" (sold at Waddington’s for $37,250)
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Jules Olitski, “Night Light,” 1988, acrylic and oil-based enamel on canvas, 68" x 47" (sold at Waddington’s for $59,310)
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Larry Poons, “With Stevens, 88C-9,” 1988, acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 79 ½" x 22" (sold at Waddington’s for $61,750)
Lot 355, Francisco Zúňiga, Virginia Sentada Con Ropaje, 1978. Est. $8,000-$12,000. Sold: $44,670. Zuniga was a formidable Mexican sculptor and draughtsman, and this is a wonderful large bronze. Walter Moos represented his work in Toronto with great affection for the artist and his work.
Lot 342, Larry Poons, With Stevens, 88C, 1988. Est. $40,000-$50,000. Sold: $61,750. Gallery One, Toronto exhibited Poons for many years and now he is finally getting his due within the larger markets. There is a wonderful documentary on him and his work, worth viewing.
Lot 343, Jules Olitski, Night Light, 1988. Est. $40,000-$50,000. Sold: $59,310. Gallery One exhibited this and more Olitski works. This is a strong example, with lots of movement in the surface and light within the paint. Like Poons, his work has languished, but is now finding the attention it deserves.
Lot 349, Sabin Balasa, Prometeu, 1986, est. $10,000-$15,000. Sold: $37,250. A Romanian artist who added a touch of Surrealism to this painting.
Waddingtons did well with Gordon Smith, William Perehudoff, Takao Tanabe, Rita Letendre and Sorel Etrog. Overall, it was a good sale. It was nice to see the interest in artists from other countries do well, too. Obviously, outside collectors are taking note.
Waddingtons, Major Spring Auction, First Nations Art, Toronto, May 29, 2025; online.
This sale had strong representation of art from the Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporation.
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Carl Ray, Untitled, (Vision of Nature), 1975, acrylic on canvas, 29 ¾" x 40 ¼" (sold at Waddington’s for $6,875)
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Eddy Cobiness, Untitled, (Midewiwin Dancer), 1979, acrylic and feathers on canvas, 38" x 32" (sold at Waddington’s for $13,750)
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Norval Morrisseau, “Kateri, Lily of the Mohawks,” 1969, acrylic on wood panel, 48" x 32" (sold at Waddington’s for $27,500)
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Alex Janvier, “Green Life,” 1979, acrylic on linen, 36" x 24" (sold at Waddington’s for $44,670)
Lot 208, Alex Janvier, Green Life, 1979. Est. $15,000-$20,000. Sold: $44,670. This fine early painting, painted on a pure white ground, was originally bought for $800 at West End Gallery in Edmonton.
Lot 202, Norval Morrisseau, Kateri, Lily of the Mohawks, 1969. Est. $15,000-$25,000. Sold: $27,500. An interesting subject an rich colours painted on board make this a stellar painting. With a provenance of Kinsman Robinson, the collector made a good decision.
Lot 205, Eddy Cobiness, Untitled, (Midewiwin Dancer) 1979. Est. $3,000-$5,000. Sold: $13,750. Cobiness was the spiritual leader of the PNIAI. This dancer is otherworldly. Cobiness made beautiful drawings which have done well recently, too.
Lot 214, Carl Ray, Untitled, (Vision of Nature), circa 1975. Est. $4,000-$6,000. Sold: $6,875. According to Joseph Sanchez, the last living member of the PNIAI, Jackson Beardy and Carl Ray had so much talent to unfold, as this painting shows, but both passed away young.
Hodgins Art Auction
Spring 2025: Fine Art auction, June 2, 2025; online.
There were definitely some very important consignments here, from the estate of Carolyn Tavender, a brilliant designer, collector and advisor, who was known and respected by many in Canada.
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Janet Mitchell, “An Array of Figures and Birds,” 1964, mixed media on paper, 15" x 22" signed and dated lower right (sold by Hodgins for $7,800)
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Victor Cicansky, “Jar of Hot Peppers,” 2020, glazed clay, 5¼" x 3¼" x 3¼" (sold by Hodgins for $5,400)
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Victor Cicansky, “Jar of Mixed Pickles,” 2018, glazed clay, 7 ½" x 4 ¾" x 4 ¾" (sold by Hodgins for $4,800)
Lot 6, Janet Mitchell, An Array of Figures and Birds, 1964. Est.$1,500/$2,000. Sold: $7,800. This beautiful watercolour was such an wonderful expression of Mitchell’s world, where imagination abounds.
Lot 11 and 12, Victor Cicansky, Jar of Mixed Pickles, 2018. Est. $1,200-$1,600. Sold: $4,800. And Jar of Hot Peppers, 2020. Est. $800-$1,200. Sold: $5,400. Cicansky was honest, humorous, creative and professional during his career and time with us in this world. He passed away earlier this year.
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Takao Tanabe, “The Land, 2/80,” 1980, acrylic on canvas, 28" x 43" (sold by Hodgins for $42,000)
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Maxwell Bates, “Whispering Figures,” 1960, oil on board, 22" x 18" (sold by Hodgins for $8,400)
Lot 59, Maxwell Bates, Whispering Figures, 1960. Est. $4,000-$6,000. Sold: $8,400. A Max Bates painting from his early years, great figures and mystery captured as only he could do. Provenance is the estate of Carolyn Tavender, by descent to family.
Lot 111, Takao Tanabe, The Land, 2/80, 1980. Est. $15,000-$20,000. Sold: $42,000. Tanabe’s prairie paintings are catching up to his Gulf Island paintings. It’s good to see the interest, especially for artworks done during his time in Banff. It was a special place for him. Provenance is the estate of Carolyn Tavender.
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Marion Nicoll, “Self Portrait,” 1959, oil on canvas, 30 ¼" x 24 ¼" (sold by Hodgins for $72,000)
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Alex Janvier, “Ladies Best Dress,” 1980, acrylic on canvas (gallery-wrapped) 6" x 20" (sold by Hodgins for $24,000)
Lot 112, Marion Nicoll, Self Portrait, 1959. Est. $20,000-$30,000. Sold: $72,000. A record was achieved for this incredible painting. After meeting American abstractionist Will Barnet at the Emma Lake workshop, Nicoll then went to New York City. On the verso of this canvas is a note: W. Barnet, Spring’59, Class Show. The painting is included in the book Marion Nicoll: Life and Work by Catherine Mastin. Provenance is the estate of Carolyn Tavender.
Lot 151, Alex Janvier, Ladies Best Dress, 1980. Est. $7,000-$9,000. Sold: $24,000. Although small, this painting had a lot going for it: early date, great colour, and a provenance from Gallery Moos in Toronto.
This sale was exceptional with many artworks worth watching and investigating.
First Arts
Spring 2025 Inuit and First Nations Art, Toronto, June 9, 2025; live auction.
This auction had fine early Inuit sculptures, plus a great selection of North West Coast objects, prints and paintings. The early Inuit stone pieces reveal wonderful stories. I was especially intrigued to see five larger “family” group pieces, which all sold well. The catalogue is still online and is worth investigating further.
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Beau Dick, 1955 – 2017, Kwakwaka Wakw, “Ba̱k’wa̱s Ghost Mask with Skull,” 2005, red cedar wood, hammered cedar bark, acrylic paint, and string, 31" x 20" x 10" (sold at First Arts for $41,480)
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Unidentified Inuit Artist, (Port Harrison or Belcher Islands) “Fisherman with Catch,” c. early 1950s, stone, bone, ivory, soap, string, and black pigment, 9 ¾" x 5 ½" x 3", unsigned (sold at First Arts for $5,124)
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Elijassiapik, 1912-1972 (Port Harrison) “Seated Mother & Child with Platter,” ca.1953-55, stone and soap inlay, 5" x 5 ¾" x 4 ¾" (sold at First Arts for $23,180)
Lot 6, Unidentified Inuit Artist, Port Harrison or Belcher Islands, Fisherman with Catch, circa early 1950s. Est. $5,000-$8,000. Sold: $5,124. Beautiful green stone with an inlaid ivory face and fish.
Lot 8, Beau Dick, Kwakwaka Wakw, Bak was a Ghost Mask with Skull, 2005 to 2010. Est. $35,000/$50,000. Sold: $41,480. A master work by Dick, this piece exhibits a deep spiritual edge.
Lot 34, Elijassiapik, Port Harrison, Seated Mother & Child with Platter, circa 1953 to 1955. Est. $20,000-$30,000. Sold: $23,180. This exquisite small carving, represents one of the “family” works I mentioned.
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Unidentified Haida Artist, “Ship Panel Pipe,” ca. 1840s or 1850s, argillite and bone, 4 ¼" x 12" x 1" (sold at First Arts for $19,520)
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Norval Morrisseau, 1931-2007, “Merman,” ca.1960-1963, acrylic and body colour on Royal Watercolour Society blindstamped heavy wove paper, 29 ¾" x 22 ½" (sold at First Arts for $39,040)
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Osuitok Ipeelee, 1923-2005, Cape Dorset, “Owl and Three Chicks,” ca. 1983, stone, 12 ¼" x 7 ¾" x 7 ½" (sold at First Arts for $14,640)
Lot 46, Norval Morrisseau, Meman, circa 1960 to 1963. Est. $8,000-$12,000. Sold: $39,040. This surreal image — a work on paper — is rare to see. Obviously, collectors, especially the buyer, realized it is a special piece.
Lot 52, Osuitok Ipeelee, Cape Dorset, Owl and Three Chicks, circa 1983. Est. $15,000-$25,000. Sold: $14,640. The wonderful creativity of this sculpture, a family of owls, brings a smile.
Lot 54, Unidentified Haida Artist, Ship Panel Pipe, circa 1840s to 1850s. Est. $20,000-$30,000. Sold: $19,520. A fantastic argillite and bone sculpture with a group of four people and windows.
Overall, it was a fine sale, but the room seemed quiet, and the auctioneer struggled to find interest in several artworks. The phones and online sales generated the most results. It is always worth seeing First Arts; the information and consignments are informative. ■
All prices include the buyer’s premium unless otherwise noted. Images are courtesy of the respective auction houses.
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