signed with initials and dated 1911 lower left; signed, titled, and dated on the reverse
5 × 7 in (12.7 × 17.8 cm)
Auction Estimate:$12,000 - $15,000
Sale date:November 20, 2018
Price Realized
$17,700
(including Buyer's Premium)
Provenance
Collection of William Colgate
By descent to the present Private Collection, Ontario
One of the artist's favourite painting locales, High Park offered MacDonald the feeling of rural wilderness in his Toronto neighbourhood adjacent to his early cottage shared with his new wife and family. During a period of time between 1903-1907, the artist worked for a design firm in Central London, England and was exposed regularly to the British landscape and European masters in the countries extensive museums and galleries. Frequenting Hampstead Heath during his tenure, MacDonald experimented and developed his painterly style of loose brushwork and emphasizing atmosphere in his works.
“High Park” is an early example of the artist's exploration into capturing atmosphere and his life-long love of cloud-effects. Rolling heaving cloud forms occupy the composition, with soft creamy pigments highlighting the setting sun's prismatic dance across the clouds. Soft pastel rose warms the horizon and contrasts with the deep forest greens of the field and treeline blanketing the park.
