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The exhibition, which will host a 24-hour opening during its closing weekend, has been one of the most visited in the museum’s history
The Italian city is becoming a hub for millionaires thanks to an attractive tax regime for high earners
The Venetian lagoon painting—long-thought to be by Ruskin—comes to auction in New York with an estimate of $300,000 to $500,000
The Venetian lagoon painting—submitted by a member of the public to Christie's digital appraisal service—comes to auction in New York with an estimate of $300,000 to $500,000
BY JEREMY BROWN
Recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump about Canada becoming the 51st state have reignited debates about the complex relationship between these two neighboring nations. While these remarks may have been made partly in jest, they underscore the long and intricate history of interaction between the United States and Canada.
This shared history includes moments of collaboration, cultural exchange, and even military conflict—most famously when British forces, including troops from Canada, burned down the White House in 1814 during the War of 1812. Art, as a cultural lens, offers a unique perspective to explore these dynamics. By examining key historic artworks, we can better understand how these two nations have perceived and influenced each other.
Benjamin West’s “The Death of General Wolfe” (1770)
Benjamin West, an American-born artist, painted “The Death of General Wolfe” during the Seven Years’ War, a conflict that profoundly shaped North America. The painting depicts the death of British General James Wolfe during the Battle of Quebec in 1759, a pivotal moment that led to British control over French Canada. Though painted in the European neoclassical tradition, West’s work emphasized realism by portraying figures in contemporary dress rather than classical attire.
This artwork symbolizes the intertwined histories of the US and Canada. For Americans, it represented a broader narrative of colonial expansion and revolution, as many soldiers involved in the war would later fight in the American Revolution. For Canadians, it marks the beginning of British dominion, laying the groundwork for Canada’s later evolution into a bilingual nation. The painting’s international acclaim also highlights how such moments resonate across borders, reflecting the interconnected yet distinct paths of these nations.
Emanuel Leutze’s “Washington Crossing the Delaware” (1851)
Although this iconic painting depicts a distinctly American event, its echoes reverberate in Canadian history. Created by German-American artist Emanuel Leutze, the painting represents the American Revolution’s spirit of defiance and determination. For Canadians, it serves as a point of contrast, as Canada’s path to nationhood eschewed revolution in favor of gradual evolution and negotiation.
The painting’s popularity in Canada highlights a paradox: while Canadians often pride themselves on a separate, more peaceful identity, American cultural symbols have long influenced their artistic and political landscapes. This shared yet divergent trajectory underscores the complexity of US-Canada relations—defined by both admiration and distinction. In light of modern political rhetoric about annexation, the painting serves as a reminder of the distinct paths taken by the two nations to achieve their independence.
John David Kelly’s “Battle of Queenston Heights” (1896)
John David Kelly’s “Battle of Queenston Heights” captures a significant moment in the War of 1812, a conflict that defined early US-Canada relations. This painting depicts the heroic death of Major General Isaac Brock, a key figure in the defense of Upper Canada (now Ontario) against American invasion. Kelly’s work emphasizes themes of sacrifice, unity, and national pride, portraying Brock as a martyr for Canadian sovereignty.
Canadian War Museum
The War of 1812 was a turning point for both nations. For Canada, it fostered a sense of distinct identity and resilience, as British and Canadian forces successfully repelled American incursions. For the United States, it marked an assertion of independence and ambition, despite mixed military outcomes.
Lawren Harris and the Group of Seven
The Group of Seven, a collective of Canadian landscape painters active in the early 20th century, helped define a uniquely Canadian artistic identity. Their works, such as Lawren Harris’s bold depictions of the Canadian wilderness, often stood in contrast to the Hudson River School’s romanticized portrayals of the American landscape.
While the Group of Seven emphasized the distinctiveness of Canada’s natural beauty, their techniques and styles were influenced by American and European art movements. This interplay underscores how cultural exchange has enriched both nations, even as each sought to assert its individuality. Harris’s work, in particular, became a symbol of Canadian pride, inspiring a sense of nationhood that was distinct from its southern neighbor.
Art serves as a window into the shared and divergent histories of the United States and Canada. From Benjamin West’s colonial-era masterpiece to John David Kelly’s depiction of wartime heroism, these works reveal the complexities of a relationship defined by both proximity and difference.
By examining these artworks, we not only gain insight into the past but also foster a deeper appreciation for the cultural dialogues that continue to shape North America. Recent political remarks about annexation may reignite historical tensions, but they also highlight the enduring significance of these cultural narratives in shaping national identities.
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Our books editor picks out some of the highlights of the months ahead
BY MARK ANDERSON
An early sketch by Vincent van Gogh, Sien’s Mother’s House Seen from the Backyard (1882), sold for £1,137,400 (approximately $1,487,000) during Bonhams 20th/21st Century Art Week in London. Created in May 1882, just a year after Van Gogh began his artistic career, the work reflects his early focus on everyday scenes and Dutch Realism.
Bonhams’ Head of Impressionist and Modern Art, Hannah Noel-Smith, commented, “It is no surprise that the exceptional works for Delvaux and Van Gogh came out on top in these sales. Both were impressive examples and an asset to any collection.”
The sketch dates to Van Gogh’s time in The Hague, where he devoted himself to capturing working-class life and humble domestic settings. Often using dark, muted tones, Van Gogh drew inspiration from his surroundings and the struggles of ordinary people.
During this time, he frequently created studies of rural laborers, cottages, and landscapes, producing works such as Woman with a Spade and Old Man with a Beard. His dedication to realism was influenced by artists like Jean-François Millet, whose depictions of peasant life resonated deeply with him.
During this period, Van Gogh was in a relationship with Clasina Maria “Sien” Hoornik, whose life as a struggling single mother inspired many of his works. The house in the sketch belonged to Hoornik’s mother, reflecting Van Gogh’s intimate connection to his subjects.
Though Van Gogh created over 2,000 works in his short career, he sold very few during his lifetime. Today, his artworks are among the most sought-after in the world, and this sale highlights the enduring fascination with the artist’s life and legacy.
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The post Early Van Gogh Sketch Sells for Over $1.48 Million at Bonhams London Auction appeared first on World Art News.
The non-selling portrait exhibition will be on display at Christie’s Beverly Hills during the Frieze Los Angeles fair
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