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LOT 026

OC RCA
1942 - 2019
Canadian

The Sower (Van Gogh)
bronze sculpture with patina and acrylic paint
signed, editioned 5/9 and dated 2018
27 x 13 x 14 in, 68.6 x 33 x 35.6 cm

Estimate: $60,000 - $80,000 CAD

Sold for: $67,250

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Winnipeg

LITERATURE
Alan Small, “Appreciation from an Apostle: Renowned Prairie Sculptor Joe Fafard Pays Tribute to Revered Dutch Master in New Winnipeg Exhibition,” Winnipeg Free Press, July 6, 2018, para. 7, https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/arts/appreciation-from-an-apostle-487495241.html


Joe Fafard produced sculptures of Vincent van Gogh as early as 1983. Fafard read the artist’s letters and every biography he could find, immersing himself in his life. He developed a remarkable body of work representing van Gogh: a grouping of 40 relief heads, two- and three-dimensional partial figures, and three-dimensional full-body works such as Dear Vincent from 1983, showing the artist seated on his famous cane chair.

The image of a man sowing seeds recurred in van Gogh’s work. Fafard told Alan Small: "Since Vincent was so interested in the idea, it should be a good idea to do a portrait of him as such because in a way he was a sower of ideas and many artists have used his ideas and influence to enrich their own art. Pablo Picasso said he was the originator of so many things, and I think that is true." Adding a personal dimension to this work, Fafard himself grew up in the agricultural community of Sainte-Marthe, Saskatchewan, and later lived on a farm in Lumsden.

In The Sower, van Gogh holds his arm back with a brush in his hand, as if about to fling paint instead of seeds, symbolic of his concepts taking root with other artists.


Estimate: $60,000 - $80,000 CAD

All prices are in Canadian Dollars


Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information posted, errors and omissions may occur. All bids are subject to our Terms and Conditions of Business. Bidders must ensure they have satisfied themselves with the condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.