William Kurelek Sold at Auction Prices

Painter, b. 1927 - d. 1997

Depression-era struggle, life on the farm, and his own battle with mental illness were reoccurring themes in artist William Kurelek's drawings. Kurelek escaped the turmoil that existed in his mind through his artwork. In 1946, he attended post-secondary studies at the University of Manitoba, and during this time, William Kurelek's drawings began to focus on visual descriptions of sorrow, despair, heaven, and hell.

In 1952, he traveled to England for psychiatric treatment, and while in the hospital, he continued to paint, encouraged by one of his nurses to hone his talent. William Kurelek paintings for sale often have apocalyptic or post-apocalyptic themes, inspired by his newfound faith and preoccupation with the biblical end of days. Purchase works by other unconventional artists by browsing thought-provoking impressionist and modern drawings for sale at Invaluable.

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      • William Kurelek, RCA (1927-1977), PANORAMA FROM THE MARTYR'S SHRINE, MIDLAND, 1964
        Nov. 28, 2024

        William Kurelek, RCA (1927-1977), PANORAMA FROM THE MARTYR'S SHRINE, MIDLAND, 1964

        Est: $25,000 - $35,000

        William Kurelek, RCA (1927-1977), Canadian PANORAMA FROM THE MARTYR'S SHRINE, MIDLAND, 1964 watercolour on hardboard initialed lower right; titled and dated to labels verso Estimate: $25,000—35,000 CAD

        Waddington's
      • William Kurelek, OSA, RCA (1927-1977), FLIGHT INTO EGYPT (NATIVITY SERIES), 1975
        Nov. 28, 2024

        William Kurelek, OSA, RCA (1927-1977), FLIGHT INTO EGYPT (NATIVITY SERIES), 1975

        Est: $60,000 - $80,000

        William Kurelek, OSA, RCA (1927-1977), Canadian FLIGHT INTO EGYPT (NATIVITY SERIES), 1975 mixed media on board signed and dated "75" lower right; titled "'Flight to Egypt' from Canada" verso; gallery labels verso Estimate: $60,000—80,000 CAD

        Waddington's
      • WILLIAM KURELEK (CANADIAN, 1927-1977), FARMSCAPE
        Nov. 07, 2024

        WILLIAM KURELEK (CANADIAN, 1927-1977), FARMSCAPE

        Est: $700 - $900

        WILLIAM KURELEK (CANADIAN, 1927-1977) FARMSCAPE PENCIL SKETCH ON VELLUM; UNSIGNED (With a copy of authenticity paper from Stephen McCanse Canadian Art) Estimate: $700—900 CAD

        Waddington's
      • Kurelek, William - Hockey Players - 1976
        Oct. 22, 2024

        Kurelek, William - Hockey Players - 1976

        Est: $700 - $900

        Kurelek, William (1927/1977) Hockey Players (1976) Description (FR): Photolitographie sur papier signée en bas à droite W. Kurelek et numérotée 48/950 Description (EN): Photolitography on paper signed lower right W. Kurelek and numbered 48/950 Dimension (PO): 29 1/2" x 12" Dimension (CM): 75 x 30 cm Rapport de condition: Sur demande, nous nous ferons un plaisir de répondre à vos questions de manière détaillée. Condition report: Upon request, We will gladly answer all your inquiries in a detailed manner.

        Champagne Auctions
      • William Kurelek, RCA (1927-1977), UNTITLED (THE ANGEL OF THE LORD APPEARING TO JOSEPH), 1962
        Oct. 10, 2024

        William Kurelek, RCA (1927-1977), UNTITLED (THE ANGEL OF THE LORD APPEARING TO JOSEPH), 1962

        Est: $5,000 - $7,000

        William Kurelek, RCA (1927-1977), Canadian UNTITLED (THE ANGEL OF THE LORD APPEARING TO JOSEPH), 1962 with dedication verso Estimate: $5,000—7,000 CAD

        Waddington's
      • WILLIAM KURELEK (CANADIAN, 1927-1977), HUNTING (FROM THE "SPORTS" FOLIO, 1977)
        Sep. 12, 2024

        WILLIAM KURELEK (CANADIAN, 1927-1977), HUNTING (FROM THE "SPORTS" FOLIO, 1977)

        Est: $200 - $250

        WILLIAM KURELEK (CANADIAN, 1927-1977) HUNTING (FROM THE "SPORTS" FOLIO, 1977) LITHOGRAPH; INSCRIBED W. Kurelek BY THE WIFE OF THE ARTIST (J.K.) LOWER RIGHT; NUMBERED 190/225 Estimate: $200—250 CAD

        Waddington's
      • WILLIAM KURELEK (CANADIAN, 1927-1977), HUNTING (FROM THE SPORTS FOLIO, 1977)
        Jun. 06, 2024

        WILLIAM KURELEK (CANADIAN, 1927-1977), HUNTING (FROM THE SPORTS FOLIO, 1977)

        Est: $200 - $250

        WILLIAM KURELEK (CANADIAN, 1927-1977) HUNTING (FROM THE SPORTS FOLIO, 1977) LITHOGRAPH; INSCRIBED W. Kurelek BY THE WIFE OF THE ARTIST (J.K.) LOWER RIGHT; NUMBERED 190/225 Estimate: $200—250 CAD

        Waddington's
      • William Kurelek, RCA (1927-1977), ANGEL CONSOLING ST. JOSEPH IN A DREAM, 1962
        May. 29, 2024

        William Kurelek, RCA (1927-1977), ANGEL CONSOLING ST. JOSEPH IN A DREAM, 1962

        Est: $8,000 - $12,000

        William Kurelek, RCA (1927-1977), Canadian ANGEL CONSOLING ST. JOSEPH IN A DREAM, 1962 mixed media on paper titled to mat; inscribed in artist's hand verso: "but hardly had this thought come to his mind, when an angel of the lord appeared to him in a dream, and said, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take your wife Mary to yourself for it is by the power of the holy ghost that she has conceived this child; and she will bear a son, whom you shall call Jesus, for he is to save his people from their sins." 23 x 20 in — 58.4 x 50.8 cm Estimate: $8,000—12,000

        Waddington's
      • William Kurelek Prairie school children bucking winter wind
        Jul. 05, 2023

        William Kurelek Prairie school children bucking winter wind

        Est: €8,000 - €10,000

        initialled and dated lower right titled on the back Label on back of The Isaacs Gallery, Toronto

        Cambi Casa d'Aste
      • William Kurelek A grey winter day in the central provinces
        Jul. 05, 2023

        William Kurelek A grey winter day in the central provinces

        Est: €8,000 - €10,000

        siglato e datato in basso a destra intitolato la retro Etichetta al retro della The Isaacs Gallery, Toronto

        Cambi Casa d'Aste
      • William Kurelek A Prairie Winter’s night
        Jul. 05, 2023

        William Kurelek A Prairie Winter’s night

        Est: €8,000 - €10,000

        initialled and dated lower right titled on the back Label on back of The Isaacs Gallery, Toronto

        Cambi Casa d'Aste
      • William Kurelek Early winter's morning in the maritimes
        Jul. 05, 2023

        William Kurelek Early winter's morning in the maritimes

        Est: €8,000 - €10,000

        initialled and dated lower right titled on the back Label on back of The Isaacs Gallery, Toronto

        Cambi Casa d'Aste
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Hunting Caribou, photolithograph, #249/300, 12 x 9 1/2 in. (30.48 x 24.13 cm.)(unframed)
        Apr. 19, 2023

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Hunting Caribou, photolithograph, #249/300, 12 x 9 1/2 in. (30.48 x 24.13 cm.)(unframed)

        Est: $300 - $500

        William Kurelek Canadian, (1927-1977) Hunting Caribou photolithograph, #249/300 signed and dated 75

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Story Telling, photolithograph, #126/300, 13 3/4 x 11 in. (34.93 x 27.94 cm.)
        Apr. 19, 2023

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Story Telling, photolithograph, #126/300, 13 3/4 x 11 in. (34.93 x 27.94 cm.)

        Est: $300 - $500

        William Kurelek Canadian, (1927-1977) Story Telling photolithograph, #126/300 signed and dated 75

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Catching Snowflakes, photolithograph, #277/300, 12 x 7 1/4 in. (30.48 x 18.42 cm.)(unframed)
        Apr. 19, 2023

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Catching Snowflakes, photolithograph, #277/300, 12 x 7 1/4 in. (30.48 x 18.42 cm.)(unframed)

        Est: $300 - $500

        William Kurelek Canadian, (1927-1977) Catching Snowflakes photolithograph, #277/300 signed and dated 74

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Village Scene, photolithograph, #277/300, 12 x 9 in. (30.48 x 22.86 cm.) (unframed)
        Apr. 19, 2023

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Village Scene, photolithograph, #277/300, 12 x 9 in. (30.48 x 22.86 cm.) (unframed)

        Est: $300 - $500

        William Kurelek Canadian, (1927-1977) Village Scene photolithograph, #277/300 signed and dated 74

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Red Field, photolithograph, #271/300, 12 x 9 in. (30.48 x 22.86 cm.)(unframed)
        Apr. 19, 2023

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Red Field, photolithograph, #271/300, 12 x 9 in. (30.48 x 22.86 cm.)(unframed)

        Est: $300 - $500

        William Kurelek Canadian, (1927-1977) Red Field photolithograph, #271/300 signed

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Barn Dance, photolithograph, #271/300, 12 x 7 1/2 in. (30.48 x 19.05 cm.)(unframed)
        Apr. 19, 2023

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Barn Dance, photolithograph, #271/300, 12 x 7 1/2 in. (30.48 x 19.05 cm.)(unframed)

        Est: $300 - $500

        William Kurelek Canadian, (1927-1977) Barn Dance photolithograph, #271/300 signed and dated 74

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
      • William Kurelek's "Map of Toronto" Limited Edition Print
        Mar. 04, 2023

        William Kurelek's "Map of Toronto" Limited Edition Print

        Est: $125 - $175

        William Kurelek's "Map of Toronto" limited edition print, signed and numbered lower right. A partial map of Metropolitan Toronto, with a scene of Nathan Phillips Square outside Toronto City Hall, filled with thousands of people. This piece is in good condition with minor wrinkles and very light to light corner creases. A rarer piece, quite seldom seen or offered. Canadian Artist American Artist

        Oakwood Auctions
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Story Telling: a winter pastime., photolithograph #151/300, 11 3/4 x 9 3/4 in. (29.85 x 24.77 cm.)
        Oct. 26, 2022

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Story Telling: a winter pastime., photolithograph #151/300, 11 3/4 x 9 3/4 in. (29.85 x 24.77 cm.)

        Est: $300 - $500

        William Kurelek Canadian, (1927-1977) Story Telling: a winter pastime. photolithograph #151/300 signed.

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Stalking Migrating Caribou, Lithograph 151/300, 11 3/4 x 9 1/2 in. (29.85 x 24.13 cm.)
        Oct. 26, 2022

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Stalking Migrating Caribou, Lithograph 151/300, 11 3/4 x 9 1/2 in. (29.85 x 24.13 cm.)

        Est: $300 - $500

        William Kurelek Canadian, (1927-1977) Stalking Migrating Caribou Lithograph 151/300 signed and dated '75

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Sky Tossing, photolithograph #158/300, 11 3/4 x 9 1/2 in. (29.85 x 24.13 cm.)
        Oct. 26, 2022

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Sky Tossing, photolithograph #158/300, 11 3/4 x 9 1/2 in. (29.85 x 24.13 cm.)

        Est: $300 - $500

        William Kurelek Canadian, (1927-1977) Sky Tossing photolithograph #158/300 signed and dated '75

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Hunter Awaiting Seal at Breathing Hole, photolithograph, #151/300, 13 x 10 1/2 in. (33.02 x 26.67 cm.)
        Oct. 26, 2022

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Hunter Awaiting Seal at Breathing Hole, photolithograph, #151/300, 13 x 10 1/2 in. (33.02 x 26.67 cm.)

        Est: $300 - $500

        William Kurelek Canadian, (1927-1977) Hunter Awaiting Seal at Breathing Hole photolithograph, #151/300 signed and dated '75

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
      • William Kurelek's "Map of Toronto" Limited Edition Print
        Jun. 26, 2022

        William Kurelek's "Map of Toronto" Limited Edition Print

        Est: $250 - $300

        William Kurelek's "Map of Toronto" limited edition print, signed and numbered lower right. A partial map of Metropolitan Toronto, with a scene of Nathan Phillips Square outside Toronto City Hall, filled with thousands of people. This piece is in good condition with minor wrinkles and very light to light corner creases. A rarer piece, quite seldom seen or offered.

        Oakwood Auctions
      • WILLIAM KURELEK - Skiing
        Nov. 20, 2021

        WILLIAM KURELEK - Skiing

        Est: $800 - $1,200

        WILLIAM KURELEK (Canadian, 1927-1977) "Skiing" 1997. Limited edition photolithograph 47/225. Signed lower right, editioned lower left, titled on label verso, framed. Signed by the artist's wife Jean Kurelek (JK). 12 x 9.5 in. Beaux Arts Internationale (Thornhill ON) label verso. From Kurelek's 1977 Winter Sports portfolio.

        Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting
      • 3 X Vintage - William Kurelek (1927-1977) Lithographs
        Oct. 18, 2021

        3 X Vintage - William Kurelek (1927-1977) Lithographs

        Est: CAD100 - CAD1,000

        Artist: William Kurelek (1927-1977) Canadian Artist Titles: Burning Quack Grass and Harrowing \ Bows and Arrows \ Milking Time Medium: Lithograph Prints Provenance: Private Collection, MB Region Fine Art, MB These prints do not appear to ever of been opened, and were made in the 1970's. I can see slightly under one of the mats that says William Kurelek copyright 1975 so we know they are authentic lithographs.

        Region Fine Art
      • WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A., RELAXATION, 1973, oil on board, 19 ins x 22 ins; 48.3 cms x 55.9 cms
        Sep. 17, 2020

        WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A., RELAXATION, 1973, oil on board, 19 ins x 22 ins; 48.3 cms x 55.9 cms

        Est: $80,000 - $100,000

        WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A. RELAXATION, 1973 oil on board initialed and dated '73; in artist's frame 19 ins x 22 ins; 48.3 cms x 55.9 cms Provenance: Marlborough-Godard Gallery, Toronto Private Collection, Vancouver Literature: William Kurelek, Lumberjack, Tundra Books of Montreal, Montreal, 1974, p. 20, reproduced It is a rare thing when a painting is accompanied by an explanation written by the artist. It is rarer still when the explanation is candid, stripped of any pretense or self-aggrandizement. William Kurelek spent two periods felling trees in the woods of Northern Ontario and Quebec, the first during the summer at the age of 19 and the second for nearly a year at age 24. This painting is illustrated in Kurelek’s book Lumberjack, a visual and written account of his time spent in the bush. The suite of paintings in Lumberjack are a documentation of a bygone way of life, as well as a paean to the dignity of hard work. Reading Kurelek’s images and texts is to learn about the many backbreaking travails of these bush warriors, from what they ate to the frustrations of stacking poplar logs. No detail is too obscure for Kurelek, who echoes the particulars in word and image. In the accompanying text, we learn about Tony, possibly the figure in purple - a Polish lumberjack who shares his bunkhouse. 1 We are told that the washy gray images tacked up to the wooden wall next to his bed are pinups, and that Tony was known to share bawdy tales of his exploits outside of the camp, which embarrassed the young Kurelek. The paintings in the Lumberjack series are honest and unapologetically humble, a fusion of art and chronicle. Life was hard for these men, but amidst the toil were moments of respite, of joy and connection. Relaxation is one of those rare pauses. The viewer sees the men at cards, stretched out on their beds, swapping stories to the sound of a harmonica - and feels present inside the cabin, an effect heightened by the artist’s painted wooden frame. Kurelek’s image enchants, opening a window into a fragment of our nation’s history. 1William Kurelek, Lumberjack, Tundra Books of Montreal, Montreal, 1974, p.20. Estimate: $80,000–100,000

        Waddington's
      • William Kurelek - Hunter at Breathing Hole
        Feb. 29, 2020

        William Kurelek - Hunter at Breathing Hole

        Est: $300 - $500

        Hunter at Breathing Hole

        Westbridge Fine Art Auction House
      • William Kurelek - Stalking Caribou
        Jan. 04, 2020

        William Kurelek - Stalking Caribou

        Est: $300 - $500

        Stalking Caribou

        Westbridge Fine Art Auction House
      • William Kurelek - Hunter at Breathing Hole
        Jan. 04, 2020

        William Kurelek - Hunter at Breathing Hole

        Est: $300 - $500

        Hunter at Breathing Hole

        Westbridge Fine Art Auction House
      • William Kurelek - Hunter at Breathing Hole
        Dec. 14, 2019

        William Kurelek - Hunter at Breathing Hole

        Est: $300 - $500

        Hunter at Breathing Hole

        Westbridge Fine Art Auction House
      • William Kurelek - Stalking Caribou
        Dec. 14, 2019

        William Kurelek - Stalking Caribou

        Est: $300 - $500

        Stalking Caribou

        Westbridge Fine Art Auction House
      • William Kurelek - Hunter at Breathing Hole
        Nov. 24, 2019

        William Kurelek - Hunter at Breathing Hole

        Est: $300 - $500

        Hunter at Breathing Hole (photolithograph, 11.75" x 9.75", framed)

        Westbridge Fine Art Auction House
      • William Kurelek - Stalking Caribou
        Nov. 24, 2019

        William Kurelek - Stalking Caribou

        Est: $300 - $500

        Stalking Caribou (photolithograph, 11.75" x 9.75", framed)

        Westbridge Fine Art Auction House
      • William Kurelek - Sky Tossing
        Nov. 24, 2019

        William Kurelek - Sky Tossing

        Est: $300 - $500

        Sky Tossing (photolithograph, 11.75" x 9.75", framed)

        Westbridge Fine Art Auction House
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927 - 1977), The Excitement of the First Heavy Snow, lithograph, #131/300, 11 7/8 x 7 1/8 in. (30.2 x 18...
        Nov. 02, 2018

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927 - 1977), The Excitement of the First Heavy Snow, lithograph, #131/300, 11 7/8 x 7 1/8 in. (30.2 x 18...

        Est: $800 - $1,000

        signed

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
      • Harry Heine - Visit of US Coast Guard, Esquimalt
        Sep. 23, 2018

        Harry Heine - Visit of US Coast Guard, Esquimalt

        Est: $900 - $1,200

        Visit of US Coast Guard, Esquimalt (framed watercolour, 20" x 28")

        Westbridge Fine Art Auction House
      • WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A., COPPER CLIFF, oil on board, 15 ins x 19 ins; 38.1 cms x 48.3 cms
        Sep. 13, 2018

        WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A., COPPER CLIFF, oil on board, 15 ins x 19 ins; 38.1 cms x 48.3 cms

        Est: $12,000 - $15,000

        WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A.COPPER CLIFFoil on boardsigned with initials and dated ‘66; titled and dated 1966 on the reverse 15 ins x 19 ins; 38.1 cms x 48.3 cms Provenance:The Isaacs Gallery, Toronto Private Collection, OntarioEstimate: $12,000–15,000

        Waddington's
      • WILLIAM KURELEK (CANADIAN, 1927-1977), LIGHT TRADING ON THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE, 1973, SIGNED AND NUMBERED 81/950 IN PENCIL LOWER RIGHT (Image, 16.5” x 19.5”), 16.25 x 19.25 in — 41.3 x 48.9 cm
        Jul. 12, 2018

        WILLIAM KURELEK (CANADIAN, 1927-1977), LIGHT TRADING ON THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE, 1973, SIGNED AND NUMBERED 81/950 IN PENCIL LOWER RIGHT (Image, 16.5” x 19.5”), 16.25 x 19.25 in — 41.3 x 48.9 cm

        Est: $500 - $700

        WILLIAM KURELEK (CANADIAN, 1927-1977)LIGHT TRADING ON THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE, 1973SIGNED AND NUMBERED 81/950 IN PENCIL LOWER RIGHT (Image, 16.5” x 19.5”)16.25 x 19.25 in — 41.3 x 48.9 cmProvenance:Private Collection, TorontoEstimate: $500—700

        Waddington's
      • William Kurelek - Sports Portfolio
        Jun. 28, 2018

        William Kurelek - Sports Portfolio

        Est: $2,500 - $3,500

        Sports Portfolio (framed set of 12 lithographs, each 12" x 9.5")

        Westbridge Fine Art Auction House
      • WILLIAM KURELEK - Untitled - Rocky Outlook
        Jun. 02, 2018

        WILLIAM KURELEK - Untitled - Rocky Outlook

        Est: $500 - $650

        WILLIAM KURELEK (Canadian, 1927-1977) "Untitled - Rocky Outlook" - Limited edition print 163/300. Signed lower right, editioned lower left, framed. 12 x 9 in. Being sold on behalf of Grandmothers for Grandmothers - 100% of the hammer price will go to Grandmothers for Grandmothers

        Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927 - 1977), The Excitement of the First Heavy Snow, lithograph, #131/300, 11 7/8 x 7 1/8 in. (30.2 x 18...
        Jun. 01, 2018

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927 - 1977), The Excitement of the First Heavy Snow, lithograph, #131/300, 11 7/8 x 7 1/8 in. (30.2 x 18...

        Est: $1,000 - $1,500

        signed

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Sports Portfolio, 10 lithographic prints from the portfolio of 12, #82/225, 12 x 9 5/8 in. (3...
        Jun. 01, 2018

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Sports Portfolio, 10 lithographic prints from the portfolio of 12, #82/225, 12 x 9 5/8 in. (3...

        Est: $2,500 - $3,500

        signed

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
      • WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A., SNOWFALL ENDING ON QUEBEC ONTARIO BORDER, lithograph, printed in colours, sight 16.25 ins x 22.5 ins; 41.3 cms x 57.2 cms
        May. 28, 2018

        WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A., SNOWFALL ENDING ON QUEBEC ONTARIO BORDER, lithograph, printed in colours, sight 16.25 ins x 22.5 ins; 41.3 cms x 57.2 cms

        Est: $2,500 - $4,000

        WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A.SNOWFALL ENDING ON QUEBEC ONTARIO BORDERlithograph, printed in colourssigned with initials in the print, also signed, titled and numbered 29/50 in pencil in the lower margin sight 16.25 ins x 22.5 ins; 41.3 cms x 57.2 cms Provenance:Private Collection, TorontoEstimate: $2,500–4,000

        Waddington's
      • William Kurelek - Sports Portfolio
        May. 27, 2018

        William Kurelek - Sports Portfolio

        Est: $3,500 - $5,500

        Sports Portfolio (12 framed offset lithographs, each 12" x 9.5")

        Westbridge Fine Art Auction House
      • WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A., BONNIE, NANCY AND ELLEN, mixed media on board, 48 ins x 24 ins; 121.9 cms x 61 cms
        Mar. 15, 2018

        WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A., BONNIE, NANCY AND ELLEN, mixed media on board, 48 ins x 24 ins; 121.9 cms x 61 cms

        Est: $25,000 - $30,000

        WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A.BONNIE, NANCY AND ELLENmixed media on boardsigned, titled and dated “June, 1960” 48 ins x 24 ins; 121.9 cms x 61 cms Provenance:Private Collection, Mexico CityAs a student at the Ontario College of Art in 1949-50, Kurelek’s favourite instructors were Fred Hagan, Eric Freifeld and Carl Schaefer, who were preserving the figural tradition in the face of the rising tide of abstraction. He also admired the Mexican muralists and the English painter, Stanley Spencer. Kurelek included portraits of himself and his family in his nostalgic scenes of growing up in western Canada, and painted two self portraits (1950, 1957). The latter were exhibited in his first exhibition at the Isaacs Gallery in Toronto in March-April 1960 which was very well attended. It may have been as an outcome of this exhibition that Kurelek painted the portrait of Bonnie, Nancy and Ellen in June, 1960 (their names, the date, and Kurelek’s signature are inscribed on the sheet of paper that lies at their feet).Formal portraits of this nature are atypical in Kurelek’s oeuvre. There is no narrative, and the posed figures do not interact with each other. The source was probably one or more photographs of the three young females, whom the viewer assumes to be related. The figures stand against a solid red backdrop, the cast shadows give them substance, and the piece of paper in the foreground indicates the horizontal plane on which they stand, so that they appear to be anchored securely in space. Their gazes (one to the left, one to the right) set up a zigzag across the picture plane; only the youngest looks straight out at the viewer. The placement of their feet creates another rhythm, enlivening what could have been a static composition. If one were to speculate on their identity, it could be that Bonnie, Nancy and Ellen are of Ukrainian heritage; the patterned bands that decorate Nancy’s red dress are typically Ukrainian.Estimate: $25,000–30,000

        Waddington's
      • WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A., LUMBERJACK, mixed media on masonite, 11.25 ins x 11.25 ins; 28 cms x 28 cms
        Nov. 20, 2017

        WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A., LUMBERJACK, mixed media on masonite, 11.25 ins x 11.25 ins; 28 cms x 28 cms

        Est: $20,000 - $30,000

        WILLIAM KURELEK, R.C.A.LUMBERJACKmixed media on masonitesigned with monogramme and dated ‘71 11.25 ins x 11.25 ins; 28 cms x 28 cms Provenance:Private Collection, Australia (a gift of the artist)William Kurelek (1927-1977) had a difficult relationship with his father whose expectations of physical stamina and practical resourcefulness in his sons William could not meet. After completing high school in Winnipeg, and in order to earn money for university, Kurelek went to work as a lumberjack in northern Ontario during the summer of 1946, aged nineteen. He also hoped to prove his manhood to his father, however, this experience did not improve relations with his family. In 1951, Kurelek again went to work in the lumber camps, this time in northern Quebec and Ontario, south of James Bay, to earn money for a trip to Europe. Much of Kurelek’s art is autobiographical and historical in nature: he painted his memories of growing up on the prairies and the history of the Ukrainian people in Canada, for example. He also recorded his experience of working as a lumberjack in paintings, some of which were accompanied by prose and published in 1974 in Lumberjack: Paintings and Story by William Kurelek (Tundra Books of Montreal). To capture the traditional way of life in the lumber camps, Kurelek relied on memory, sketches, and old photos that he had sent home to his family. The paintings also served a didactic purpose, illustrating how timber was harvested, to which his highly detailed use of mixed media was well-suited.This lot depicts a lumberjack, holding his saw in his left hand, as he selects a felled tree to cut into shorter lengths. Having chopped down a number of trees, he begins to prepare them for stacking in a cord. A full cord (a measure of firewood or pulpwood, 4 feet wide x 4 feet high x 8 feet long) is pictured in the background. The timber would be cut into 4 foot lengths, then stacked in a cradle held in place by stakes at either end. In his book, Kurelek described this work as time-consuming and frustrating, especially if the logs were slippery and slid out of the cradle.Estimate: $20,000–30,000

        Waddington's
      • William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Barn Dance, lithograph #261/300, 14 x 10 1/2 in. (35.6 x 26.7 cm)
        Oct. 27, 2017

        William Kurelek, Canadian (1927-1977), Barn Dance, lithograph #261/300, 14 x 10 1/2 in. (35.6 x 26.7 cm)

        Est: $300 - $500

        signed lower right

        Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
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