NORVAL MORRISSEAU, C.M. (1931-2007) ANISHINAABE (OJIBWE)
Mother Bird with Young, c. 1962
acrylic on wove paper, 14 x 21.5 in (35.6 x 54.6 cm), irregular
signed, "ᐅᓴᐘ/ᐱᑯᐱ/ᓀᓯ".;
inscribed in graphite, verso, in an unknown hand, "SP-7 / $60.00
signed, "ᐅᓴᐘ/ᐱᑯᐱ/ᓀᓯ".;
inscribed in graphite, verso, in an unknown hand, "SP-7 / $60.00
LOT 70
ESTIMATE: $1,000 — $1,500
PRICE REALIZED: $2,400.00
ESTIMATE: $1,000 — $1,500
PRICE REALIZED: $2,400.00
The composition and colour scheme of this early piece illustrate the distinct influence of traditional Anishnaabe themes and aesthetics, a direction highly recommended by one of Morrisseau's close associates and...
The composition and colour scheme of this early piece illustrate the distinct influence of traditional Anishnaabe themes and aesthetics, a direction highly recommended by one of Morrisseau's close associates and mentors, Selwyn Dewdney.
During the late 1950s, Dewdney undertook a project to map, document, and decipher the pictographs discovered on the Canadian Shield. His investigation incorporated interactions with local inhabitants to gather insights about the themes portrayed at the 290 sites he inspected in Ontario. Norval Morrisseau, knowledgeable in Anishinaabe oral traditions and shamanism, was among the informants that Dewdney connected with. The two established a rapport in 1960, spurred by a shared enthusiasm for modern art. Recognizing Morrisseau's artistic prowess, Dewdney was committed to introducing Morrisseau's art to southern markets. He suggested that Morrisseau adopt an earthy colour spectrum and portray his figures in a rudimentary style reminiscent of the rock paintings.
For works of a similar vintage, see: Norval Morrisseau, Moose Dream Legend, 1962, illustrated in
During the late 1950s, Dewdney undertook a project to map, document, and decipher the pictographs discovered on the Canadian Shield. His investigation incorporated interactions with local inhabitants to gather insights about the themes portrayed at the 290 sites he inspected in Ontario. Norval Morrisseau, knowledgeable in Anishinaabe oral traditions and shamanism, was among the informants that Dewdney connected with. The two established a rapport in 1960, spurred by a shared enthusiasm for modern art. Recognizing Morrisseau's artistic prowess, Dewdney was committed to introducing Morrisseau's art to southern markets. He suggested that Morrisseau adopt an earthy colour spectrum and portray his figures in a rudimentary style reminiscent of the rock paintings.
For works of a similar vintage, see: Norval Morrisseau, Moose Dream Legend, 1962, illustrated in
Carmen Robertson, Norval Morrisseau: His Life & Work, (Toronto: Art Canada Institute, 2016), p. 40.
Provenance
D&J Ritchie, Toronto, 8 December 1986, Lot 32, as "Three Spirit Birds", illustrated p. 12;Acquired from the above by a Private Collection, Ontario;
Bequeathed to the present Private Collection, Hamilton.
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