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A Raven with a Craven

oil on board

signer lower right; inscribed “’A Raven with a Craven’ - Dr. Lismer / ‘Vulture Looking for Culture’ - J.J. / “The Bird’ - Mo / Retrieved from a McGill Fine Arts Class - Introduction to Landscape” on the paper backing on the reverse

16 × 11.5 in (40.6 × 29.2 cm)

Sold

$4,800

Provenance

Gift of the artist, circa 1953 By descent to Private Collection, Toronto

Arthur Lismer was a dedicated art educator throughout his career. He began his teaching career as principal of the Victoria School of Art and Design (later Nova Scotia College of Art and Design) in Halifax in 1916-19. Then moved on to become the vice-president of the Ontario College of Art and Design (now OCAD) in 1919, as well as a founding member of the Group of Seven. From 1927 to 1938 Lismer was the education supervisor at the Art Gallery of Toronto (now the AGO). In 1932, he undertook a lecture tour throughout Europe and South Africa, teaching in South Africa from 1936-37. In 1940 Lismer moved to Montreal for a teaching appointment at the Art Association of Montreal and established the MMFA School of Art and Design. Lismer then took on teaching positions with McGill University, becoming an Assistant Professor of the Department of Fine Arts in 1948. This composition was a “working painting” by Arthur Lismer during one of the artist and teacher’s “Introduction to Landscape” classes at the McGill Fine Arts Club. This artwork was created circa 1953 to explain the principles and techniques associated with his artistic process. A lifelong educator, Lismer continued to teach, sketch and paint until his death in 1969.