Frank Hans (Franz) Johnston

ARCA CSPWC G7 OSA
1888 - 1949
Canadian

The Red Bush
oil on board, circa 1925
signed and on verso signed, titled and inscribed variously
7 7/8 x 6 in, 20 x 15.2 cm

CAD

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Canadian Fine Art, Joyner Waddington's, November 22, 2010, Lot 11
Private Estate, Ontario

This subtle yet brightly toned oil sketch by Franz Johnston is strongly reminiscent of his work done in the Algoma region of Ontario in 1918 through 1920, just prior to his departure from Toronto for Winnipeg in 1921. The style, vertical composition and even the board size are quite comparable to works such as Sketch in Algoma, 1917, sold by Heffel in November of 2022 and Autumn, Blue Lake, Algoma, sold by Heffel in December of 2020. When looking at his oeuvre, this work feels much more akin to the works painted in that period than his more classically luminous works produced throughout the 1930s and 40s. This suggests a broad circa date of 1925 – further implied by the work being signed Franz rather than Frank, which was a change the artist instituted around that time. Regardless of the date, this work shows Johnston’s painterly dexterity and his lifelong sensitivity to light, colour, and atmosphere.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars

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