Harold Town (1924-1990) remains one of the best-known and most intriguing artists from the "Painters Eleven" group.
Town's reputation was established in the late 1950s with a series of mysterious unique abstract prints ("Single Autographic Prints") that included collage elements. In 1956, he represented Canada at the Venice Biennale with these works.
Over the following decades, the artist continued reinventing his aesthetic, regularly changing medium and mood. He was nicknamed the Picasso of Canada due to his constant evolution. By the mid-1960s, he was considered as Canada's most famous artist.
While Town made a significant contribution to Canadian abstraction, he created figurative works throughout his career.
His "Toy Horse" series is arguably his most successful and iconic body of figurative work. Inspired by a Christmas gift, Town reimagined the subject through a number of variations during 1976-1983, ranging from stylized ink drawings to meticulous almost wire-like geometric designs.
This evocative work on paper is a striking example from this series, depicting the subject with bold, exaggerated forms, and whimsical details. Town used color to great affect and here realizes the horse's mane and tail in canary yellow punctuated by elements of teal green, olive, fuchsia and orange.
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 or call +1.416.704.1720.
Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.
"Toy Horse"
Canada, 1976
Colored chalk, pastel and graphite on blue paper
Signed and dated by the artist, top left
15.75"H 12"W (work)
21.25" 17.25"W (framed)
Very good condition.
Provenance: The Estate of Harold Town
Note: price is $5,500 CAD
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.
- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.