Niagara Falls by John Wentworth Russell

Provenance:
Estate of the artist
By descent to the Rt. Hon. John N. Turner and Geills Turner

Literature:
Paul Duval, Canadian Impressionism, Toronto, pages 70 and 153

John Wentworth Russell studied at the Art Students League in New York, where he developed his distinct impressionist style before arriving in Paris in 1905. Paul Duval writes of the artist: “A strong individualist, Russell avoided joining organized art societies, and was often embroiled in controversy because of his outspoken comments.” He goes on to describe Russell as “a provocateur, defending his position on art and vigorously nettling opposing schools of painting”. “Niagara Falls” depicts the world-famous landmark during a snowstorm in a highly impressionistic manner, using a monochromatic palette of soft greys.

Geills Turner is the great-niece of the artist, and the painting was given to her by the artist’s widow, Anna May Russell.