Previously Unknown Work by Artist William Kurelek to be Offered at Consignor's Fall Auction of Important Canadian Art, 11/19-28

A recent Consignor Canadian Fine Art public appraisal day led to a surprising discovery for one art owner who learned she owned a painting by renowned Ukrainian-Canadian artist William Kurelek. The newly discovered painting-titled Ukrainian Proverb-is to be offered along with more than 130 other works at Consignor's Fall Auction of Important Canadian Art from November 19 - 28, 2014.

The 10" X 4.5" inch painting encased in the artist's handmade frame, depicts a charming scene of a child trying (and failing) to catch two rabbits in the snow. Such scenes, capturing winter life on the Canadian prairies, have proved to be some of Kurelek's most popular, harkening to the artist's childhood memories of being raised on a Manitoba farm. Ukrainian Proverbis expected to fetch between $15,000 and $20,000 at auction.

"Our appraisal 'roadshows' have led to many surprising discoveries for individuals across the country curious to know the value of a work of art they owned," said Rob Cowley, President of Consignor Canadian Fine Art. "We're thrilled to help bring this important part of Canadian art history to auction for the first time. Kurelek's work has been extremely popular during the past decade, routinely fetching values above expectation."

The painting was inherited from the owner's parents, who were introduced to a local artist while visiting a neighbour. They had brought some apple strudel to share, and when the artist declared it was "as good or better" than his mother's, the couple happily gave him a basket full of the pastries. A few days later, the artist returned with a painting (Ukrainian Proverb) as a token to reciprocate the kind gesture. The painting has since been passed down and displayed in the family's home in Etobicoke, ON, and it wasn't until years later when the owner brought the painting to Consignor's appraisal day that it was discovered to be an unknown work by William Kurelek.

Consignor will be holding an open house, November 19-21, inviting the public to bring in works of art for mini-consultations and verbal auction valuations. Additionally, the open house will offer a preview of upcoming works featured in Consignor's fall auction.

Other highlights from Consignor's Fall Auction of Important Canadian Art include a rare 1935 canvas still life by renowned Canadian painter David Milne. Hepaticas in a Cup (valued at $125,000-175,000) will be offered at auction for the first time, a painting that was once praised by the artist himself as being a fine achievement and among one of his best works. Considered his "Spring Fever" painting of 1935, Hepaticas captures the artist's excitement for the season and is a testament to his great skill as a painter.

The November auction will also offer up notable works of art by celebrated historical and post-war Canadian artists such as A.J. Casson, Arthur Lismer, Franz Johnston, Emily Carr, P.C. Sheppard, Kathleen Morris, Nora Collyer, Robert Pilot, Jean Paul Riopelle, Jean McEwen, Jack Shadbolt, Harold Town, Sorel Etrog, Kathleen Morris, Sybil Andrews, W.J. Phillips, Otto Rogers, Dorothy Knowles, Gordon Applebe Smith, Maud Lewis, Ted Harrison, Robert Bateman, Joe Fafard, Doris McCarthy, David Blackwood, among others.

Photo Courtesy of Consignor Canadian Fine Art