signed and dated 1932 lower middle left; signed and titled on the reverse
25 × 30 in (63.5 × 76.2 cm)
Auction Estimate:$8,000 - $12,000
Sale date:June 9, 2021
Price Realized
$13,200
(including Buyer's Premium)
Provenance
Private Collection, Ontario
Literature
Roger Burford Mason, A Grand Eye For Glory: A Life of Franz Johnston, Toronto, 1998, pages 69-70
Franz Johnston travelled and painted extensively in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, the Rocky Mountains and the Northwest Territories, dedicated to illustrating the beauty of Canada’s stunning and varied terrain. Johnston’s landscapes are a reflection of his interest in turn-of- the-century ideals, displaying much more atmospheric and decorative qualities than his fellow Group of Seven members. Unlike the modernist paintings of Tom Thomson and Lawren Harris, Johnston’s work evolved toward a more traditional and romantic style, recalling nineteenth century painters such as Homer Watson. “The Velvet of Winter Woods” is a fine example of the artist’s ability to capture the interplay of light, colour and pattern in Canada’s wilderness. Johnston’s romanticization of his subjects continued throughout his career. A 1942 exhibition review stated: “Franz has a grand eye for glory. He seldom paints anything because it’s grim or ugly.”
