Our current October online auctions offer a wide range of artworks by renowned Canadian artists, representing the country from coast to coast. The Abstractions Auction offers many commanding and stunning artworks to tempt the eye, while appealing to all levels of collectors. The artistic post-war movements that propelled Canadian art forward after the Group of Seven were innovative and exciting, demonstrating the influence of world views and a new social dialogue.
Claude Tousignant, #5-79-102
Claude Tousignant, #3-75
Claude Tousignant, C-1-78
Claude Tousignant, Oscillations 1956
Four captivating works by Claude Tousignant are exemplary of the artist’s minimalist, expressionist and abstractionist style. The vibrant colours, rich tones and large compositional format of these artworks make them an incredible addition to any discerning collection.
Harold Town, “Abstraction” (1957)
Harold Town, a founder and member of Pahinters Eleven, as well as an accomplished artist, is represented by a variety of works on paper and a delicate sculptural object. Works by this abstract artist from Toronto are highly sought after, instantly adding energy and vibrance to a varied collection of art.
Harold Town, Untitled (Egg)
Harold Town painstakingly created a small number of these “eggs” and gave them as Christmas gifts. The artwork is a symmetrical collage, careful applied upon a plastic egg from which a pair of women’s pantyhose were packaged (as was the packaging used by “L’eggs” from the late 1960s until the early 1990s).
Rita Letendre, Danna
Two significant lots in the auction by Rita Letendre, a leading member of the colourist movement, exemplify her fascination with depicting speed and vibration. Momentum (Lot 2) and Danna (Lot 42) are both a testament to her artistic practice.
Sorel Etrog, Etrusco (Study)
Multiple distinctive sculptures are featured in this auction, providing an attractive and dynamic option for a collector. Etrusco (Study) by Sorel Etrog (lot 10) is a diminutive work by the artist, measuring 4.75 x 1.5 x 1.875 inches (overall). Further sculptural works by Anthony Quinn (lot 11), Antonio Kieff Grediaga (lot 47), Roger Cavalli (lot 48, 49, 50) and Ruben Zellermayer (lot 52 and 53) are lots to pay attention to in the final day of bidding, as they are both accessible in terms of value and add three dimensionality to a gathering of artworks at home or in the office.
Léon Bellefleur, Les écluses
Key post-war highlights in the auction include Les écluses by Léon Bellefleur (lot 1), Carmina Burana No.1 by William Ronald (lot 3), Fentesby Yves Gaucher (lot 44) and Bi-Ocre by Guido Molinari (lot 45).
Yves Gaucher, Fentes
The complete catalogue of artworks included in the Abstractions Online Auction can be foundby following this link. For more information on our three current online auctions, how to book your private preview appointment at the gallery, or our consignment process, please contact us at info@cowleyabbott.ca and one of our specialists would be delighted to assist you.
Rare & Exceptional Work Spanning More Than A Century of Canadian Art Draws Competition From In-Person, Telephone & Online Bidders
The September 24th Cowley Abbott Fine Art Live Auction of Important Canadian and International Art held in the elegant Aria Ballroom of The Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville was a resounding success. Exceptional artworks by Canada’s pre-eminent historical, post-war and contemporary artists achieved strong results for consignors, while collectors were connected with artworks of rarity and quality.
Frederick Banting, Cobalt (1932) Price Realized: $44,840
Cowley Abbott was pleased to be entrusted with three significant works by the esteemed artist and physician, Sir Frederick Grant Banting. 2021 marks the centenary of the discovery of insulin by Banting, a momentous discovery that changed the lives of millions of people and for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1923. “Cobalt (1932)”, a striking canvas displaying Banting’s keen sense of colour, light and shadow sold for $44,840. Two other paintings by the artist, including “Seville, Spain, 1933”, broke through its pre-sale estimate achieving $20,060, while “Birches, French River, 1930”, a quintessential work by the artist sold for $18,880. Brilliant results for this deserving historical Canadian icon.
Cornelius Krieghoff, Skinner’s Cave and Owl’s Head Mountain, Lake Memphremagog Price Realized: $47,200
The September live auction witnessed solid prices for a wide range of historical Canadian works of art, including the work of: A.Y. Jackson (“St. Tites des Caps” fetching $21,240 and “Sugar Shanty, L’Islet” selling for $24,780); Marc-Aurèle Fortin (“La Seine à Paris” selling for $8,850); David Milne (“Fox Hill on a Rainy Day, Boston Corners”, a rare watercolour executed in 1920 fetched $82,600) and Robert Pilot (“Autumn Landscape” selling for $17,700). Among the strong selection of historical Canadian artworks included in the sale were works entrusted from the collection of Senator E. Leo Kolber, including a rare canvas by Cornelius Krieghoff, “Skinner’s Cave and Owl’s Head Mountain, Lake Memphremagog”. The rugged grandeur, tightly observed detail and sublime drama of this painting injects the work with a high romanticism that only Cornelius Kreighoff could accomplish. This fresh to auction painting garnered much attention from collectors during our bustling previews, fetching $47,200. “The Fruit Shop, Ottawa” by Kathleen Moir Morris, another important work from the collection of Senator Kolber, sold for $73,337.
A key highlight in the auction were two exceptional watercolours by the celebrated Canadian artist, James Wilson Morrice. “Study for ‘The Pond, West Indies’” and “Study for ‘Village Street, West Indies’” are exemplary watercolours that showcase the artist’s technique and ability, acting as preparatory studies for the paintings in the collection of the Montreal Museum of Arts, which are among the best examples in the artist’s oeuvre. These special works made their debut at auction, finding new homes for over $22,000, respectively.
From the moment of publication of the auction online, interest and excitement surrounded three paintings by the renowned Indigenous artist, Norval Morrisseau. These fresh to auction works, all acquired directly from the artist, illustrate the artist’s powerful and unique style, drawn from Anishnaabe cultural traditions. Two striking paintingsdepicting Harriet Kakegamic, the artist’s wife, each sold for $25,960 after much spirited bidding, while the enigmatic and endearing “Untitled (Moose Pair)” soared to $35,400.
Doris McCarthy, Iceberg and Floes Price Realized: $47,200
Cowley Abbott was delighted to offer numerous works by accomplished Canadian female artists, many of which garnered lively bidding during the September auction, notably, Molly Lamb Bobak’s energetic,“The Bike Race”. This work drew strong attention during the live auction preview season and it did not take long for competitive bidding to push the work well beyond the pre-sale expectation of $5,000-7,000, hammering down for $17,700. “Summer Landscape” by Nora Collyer followed suit, selling for $18,800; the electric canvas, “Abstraction”, by Rita Letendre fetched $25,960; the respected and loved Doris McCarthy had two works included in the sale – “Iceberg & Floes”, from her sought after Arctic series, which sold for $47,200, and an early work, “Two Boats at Barachois” selling for $9,440; while Maud Lewis achieved another remarkable result with “Three Black Cats” reaching $18,800.
Multiple key sculptures were featured in the September 24th catalogue auction, including two important bronzes by Sorel Etrog: “Petachon” sold for $8,260 and “Untitled” for $23,600. A dynamic steel sculpture by Walter Yarwood of Painter’s Eleven sold for $4,484. A beautifully carved 20th Century Chest, a popular object with collectors, soared to $14,160 after spirited bidding between the telephone and the room.
A variety of Post-War and Contemporary offerings captivated visitors attending the Cowley Abbott gallery during previews prior to the September evening sale. Guido Molinari’s “Tri-Sériel Rouge”, a late addition to the sale, garnered avid attention fetching $82,600 over the telephone; Jean McEwen’s enigmatic “Tableaux sans paroles #3” sold for $59,000; “Snow Play” by Ted Harrison, a favourite amongst collectors, climbed to $14,160; a painterly landscape by Gordon Smith sold for $23,600; Paterson Ewen’s “Untitled” fetched $14,160 and a quintessential work by Kazuo Nakamura sold for $28,320.
The Atlantic magic realists exceeded expectations with Tom Forrestall’s shaped canvas, “Orchard” selling for a final price of $9,440 and Christopher Pratt’s “1887 Orange 13 Cent Stamp” hammering down for $12,980 after competitive bidding.
We extend our thanks to the clients, bidders and buyers who helped to ensure that our September 24th Live auction was a triumph. We are already preparing a very exciting catalogue for the December Live Auction and look forward to sharing it with you. The fall auction season continues with The Canadian Landscape Online Auction running from October 20th-27th, followed by the November Auction of Canadian and International Art from November 10th-24th, taking place concurrently with the December Live Auction.
Cowley Abbott is currently accepting consignments for its upcoming auctions and if you feel our firm can be of service, we would be pleased to provide a complimentary and confidential consultation. Please contact our specialists at 1-866-931-8415 or mail@cowleyabbott.ca.
Navigating the art market can be both an exciting and a
daunting task for new buyers, experienced collectors and art market
professionals. With a plethora of commercial galleries, online purchase
platforms and auctions seemingly running 24/7, the buying options are
limitless. At Cowley Abbott, we prioritize exceptional customer service and
take pride in assisting our clients find the perfect artwork to either add to
or begin their collection. In this article we will look at some key factors to
consider when looking to start, build or mature your art collection, as well as
the benefits of buying at auction.
Christopher Pratt, Girl on my Couch (1984)
Where to Start?
Of course, one’s aesthetic taste is an obvious starting
point. When a client inquires about what artist, time period or style of art they
should collect, we encourage first to scan galleries, auctions and online
resources to pinpoint what naturally appeals. Once there is a clear idea of an
overall genre, style or even a particular artist that a collector wants to
focus on, this establishes a solid foundation to build upon. Investment and
future value are the next factors to consider. Although collecting art is an
emotional and subjective process for collectors, the financial aspect of
collecting is a natural and valid query. Invariably, the next question asked
is, which artist or artwork will hold value over time. There is no crystal ball to consult to ensure
that an artist or artwork will maintain its economic value, just as there is no
guarantee that one’s financial investments will hold steady without change.
However, auction, by virtue of its transparency, establishes a sense of
confidence. Estimates and hammer prices reflect the realistic expectations of
the secondary market for an artwork and artist, no matter a collector’s budget.
Jean Paul Riopelle, Feuilles VI (1967)
New collectors often seek an understanding of the art market before committing to their first purchase. This strategy takes into account a collector’s taste and shifting art market trends. Bearing this in mind, works on paper by major artists who trade at auction are an excellent buying option for new collectors. Typically, works on paper, such as drawings, watercolours and prints, offer a lower financial entry point and are an excellent example of the artist’s production, while allowing the collector to inform their aesthetic taste. Canadian artists, such as Jack Bush and Christopher Pratt, produced works on paper in tandem with their painting, developing fascinating and sometimes unique, experimental testimonials to their overall practice. “Sash”, “Totem” and “Thrust”, prints by Jack Bush, offer bright renderings closely linked to both his works in gouache and his large canvases. Similarly, Pratt’s graphite drawings of nude models and interiors are often the basis for both his coveted print works and paintings, functioning as intentional works of their own. Works on paper offer an incredible opportunity to understand the technical process of an artist. Notes on colour, shading, location and even the time of day can be conveyed, providing a unique insight into completed works by the artist.
As a new collector, the benefit to both monitoring and
participating in auctions is accessibility to the wide variety of works
included in these auctions, either online or live. A collector can study the
online auction catalogues, view multiple images of the works included, request
condition reports on specific artworks and compare artworks to navigate their
own interests and taste. At Cowley Abbott, we offer dedicated sales of
Works on Paper, taking place in February and July, offering an exceptional
opportunity to begin collecting or build upon an established collection.
I know what I like, how do I navigate value?
Jack Bush, Purple Thrust
Researching and learning more about major art movements,
artist collectives, groups and periods all contribute to a more well-rounded
understanding of the cultural value of artworks. This aids in further
distilling a collector’s taste; perhaps gravitating to one artist of a major
group over another and establishing a more finite point to begin collecting.
Navigating the estimates applied to artworks is an integral component to collecting. When auction houses ascribe estimates to artworks, the value is based upon past results for an artist at auction. Our specialists research comparable works by the artist, taking into account various attributes, such as medium, dimensions, style, overall quality and period for the artist. Hammer prices and auction estimates for these comparable pieces are taken into consideration in order to provide realistic expectations for artworks offered at auction. This recognized practice of valuation establishes greater transparency for new collectors navigating the auction market.
The Basics of Understanding Value
ArtTactic professionals have broken down the stages of an artist’s trajectory in order to measure the relationship between the cultural and economic value of their work within the art market. The following factors are considered when offering an artwork at auction, allowing further insight into how and why specific artwork by an artist may achieve a higher value.
Formation Phase
Art School
Grad Show
Local collector interest / exhibiting with smaller or younger galleries
Art Fair showing
Curator interest
International interest (though less so with Canadian art given the regional market)
Reputable Artist Prizes
Expansion Phase
Move to representation with established gallery / solo exhibition
Acquisitions by major collectors
International solo exhibition
AUCTION DEBUT—works selling above expectation
Consolidation Phase
Strong and Consistent auction market activity
Consistent commercial and museum exhibition activity
Further factors to consider include condition, quality, characteristics of the artwork, the provenance and, to an extent, rarity. Though rarity can aid in increasing the value of an artwork — for instance if the work is a sketch or panel for an important work by the artist — it can also have an adverse effect (ex. an artwork depicting a floral still life by an artist who is celebrated for their work in abstraction). For new collectors, it is an important component to be mindful of, as rarity can equate to a smaller pool of collector interest should one seek to sell in the future to mature a collection or should aesthetic tastes change.
These factors are guidelines to understanding established
value, how specialists arrive at estimates, and driving forces for market
trends. If there is a strong emotional draw to an artwork, collectors should
trust their instincts and collect works that they will enjoy and that will
enrich their collections.
How can Cowley Abbott assist?
Our monthly online auctions are an opportunity for a collector to ‘check’ the pulse of the market and dabble in their own collection journey. Interested collectors are invited to monitor the progress of our auctions and the performance of a specific artwork with no obligation to bid or participate. Our easy to navigate website offers a comfortable and convenient environment to participate should a collector wish, while our team of specialists are available to assist with any questions or concerns regarding artworks, or the auction process. The artworks included in the online auctions are available to preview at our gallery, and we invite you to visit us to view the works in person (should you be in the Toronto area or find yourself here visiting during our previews).
Guido Molinari, Untitled (Vertical blanc)
Our live auction of Important Canadian Art, which takes
place in the spring and fall each calendar year, offers fresh insight into the
auction world. We invite clients and collectors to experience the excitement of
a live auction, as the event is open to the public and there is no obligation
to participate. We provide extended gallery preview times to view the artworks
included in these auctions to accommodate travel and scheduling realities,
while flexible bidding options are available (in-person, absentee and
telephone). The opportunity to view and engage with rare, museum-quality works
is a privilege we love to share with our clients.
Our boutique firm specializes in Canadian Fine Art and our
team of experienced and trained professionals is available to answer your
collecting queries. We emphasize transparency in our business and market
discussions with clients. We publish the price realized for all artworks sold
at auction, partnering with global art market indexes, and provide full
cataloguing information for all artworks we are entrusted with for sale. We
strive to provide clients and collectors with the highest level of service, and
we would be delighted to assist you in your collecting journey!
