Two large, early paintings by iconic Canadian painter Edward John (E.J.) Hughes, including a depiction of the Courtenay River estuary, are going on the auction block May 17 in Vancouver.
The owner, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, is expected to realize $1.2 to $1.6 million. The two paintings — lots 71 and 72 — are featured canvases during the afternoon session of the Heffel Fine Art Auction House.
Lot 72, Mouth of the Courtenay River, is a 30×40-inch oil on canvas that was signed and dated 1952. It was exhibited at Vancouver Art Gallery’s 21st annual BC Artists’ Exhibition in 1952, where it had a price tag of $150.
The image is notable for an expansive cloudscape and a small region on the far shoreline that is bathed in sunlight. A small river gillnetter fishing boat pulling a rowboat quietly moves through the foreground.
Almost 60 years later, the image has a conservative price range of $500,000 to $700,000.
Lot 71, Coastal Boats Near Sidney, B.C., is a 36 1/8x 48 1/8-inch oil on canvas, signed and dated 1948. It was acquired by the College of Physicians and Surgeons directly from E.J. Hughes for under $500.
The image depicts coastal steamers that sailed between Victoria, Nanaimo and Vancouver, later replaced by the B.C. government’s coastal ferry system and is the feature cover work on Ian Thom’s retrospective book on the artist.
The image has rhythmic waves, foaming waters around the boats and billowing smoke, giving a sense of forward movement. This lot has a pre-auction estimate of $700,000 to $900,000.
Hughes, who lived on Vancouver Island much of his life, received the Order of canada in 2001.
For details on the previews and live auction, and access to the online catalogues, visit www.heffel.com.
— Heffel Fine Art Auction House
