"Traffic Jam" by Maud Lewis

Back to Auction

153 of 288 lots

153

Estimate:

CA$30,000 - CA$35,000

Sold

CA$77,500

Live Auction

Canadiana & Decorative Arts

ARTIST

Maud Lewis (1901–1970) has become one of Canada’s most renowned artists, the subject of numerous monographs, novels, plays, documentaries, and even a feature film. She was born into relative comfort and obscurity, and died in poverty, though enjoying national fame. She overcame severe physical challenges to create a unique artistic style, and sparked a boom in folk art in her home province of Nova Scotia. Though she rarely left her tiny house, her works have travelled around the world, and in the decades since her death, she has become an iconic figure, a symbol of Nova Scotia, and a beloved character in the popular imagination.

Size

Board 11.5"H x 12"W.

Category

Art

Description

Canadian. Ca: 1956. Oil on beaverboard. "Traffic Jam" by Maud Lewis. Although this early and humourous image seems slightly out of sync with Lewis' repertoire, it is a rare and important representation of the breadth of her work. Lewis found inspiration from the cover page of Maclean's Magazine April 14th, 1956 by Oscar Cahen and made it her own. The cow has a confident smile while the couple shows expressions of displeasure. The sports car probably exemplifies the humour of the situation for Lewis but above all else, the image demonstrates that despite her many challenges in life, Lewis saw the humour and brightness at every opportunity. Signed "Lewis" lower right.

Condition

Good condition. Deep and vivid colour. Generalized toning. Lower corners have sustained mild impact, with suble associated hairlines to the paint.

Medium

Oil on beaverboard.

Provenance

Found with "Chicks and Hens" by Maud Lewis (also offered in this sale). From a private Vermont Collection. The winner will be provided with a letter of authenticity.

Oh no, something went wrong

Please refresh to try again.