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Harold Town
Battle Scene

1958

$1,500
£1,121.23
€1,308.32
CA$2,106.31
A$2,142.56
CHF 1,223.43
MX$25,915.41
NOK 14,265.85
SEK 14,484.43
DKK 9,780.68

About the Item

Harold Town (1924-1990) was an exceptional and dynamic figure in the Canadian art canon, who created a wide range of brilliant artworks beginning in the 1950s and well into the 1980s. Harold Town’s artistic career was shaped by the rapid postwar development of his hometown, Toronto. After he established an international reputation with his Single Autographic Prints from the mid 1950's, his paintings fetched record prices and ignited a new local art scene. Town went on to explore a variety of media, producing an expanding range of works throughout his life. He never confined himself to a single style. This early etching is a revelation. While many are familiar with Town's "Toy Horse" series created during the 1970's, it is surprising that he was exploring two of his favorite motifs (Hoses and Mythologies) during the late 1950's. We expect that the artist was committed and immersed in abstraction during this era. The etching demonstrates that Town was an expert draughtsman. The work itself has a tone different from much of his oeuvre, it radiates conflict and latent violence. Yet despite this, a disconcerting beauty emerges. The inherent visual seductiveness (and simplicity) of the warriors’ bodies, along with the movement of the horse, add a unique poetic vein. Town was a dedicated printmaker throughout his career. While one of his Single Autographic Prints are an essential acquisition, we would propose that this very rare and early print is equally important as it demonstrates his mastery of line, and also is an early exploration of the key themes from his practice. Today, Town's work is represented in prestigious collections across North America including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Museum of Modern Art (New York), and the Guggenheim (New York). Questions about this piece? Contact us. Untitled (Battle Scene) Canada, 1958 Etching Signed and dated in plate, top left Hand-signed numbered, lower left 8"H 13.5"W (work) 14.75"H 19.5"W (framed) Overall good condition. Detailed report by request.
  • Creator:
    Harold Town (1924 - 1990, Canadian)
  • Creation Year:
    1958
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8 in (20.32 cm)Width: 13.5 in (34.29 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Overall good condition. Detailed report by request.
  • Gallery Location:
    Toronto, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 07-261stDibs: LU215218385852

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