Provenance

Laing Galleries, Toronto

Volkswagen Canada, acquired from the above in 1957

Private Collection, Switzerland

Important Canadian Art, Sotheby’s Canada, May 11, 1994, lot 102

A Prestigious Corporate Collection Literature Doris Mills, L.S. Harris Inventory, 1936, City Paintings, catalogue #1, location noted as the Art Gallery of Toronto

Exploring Lawren Harris' Masterpiece: House in the Ward, Winter, City Painting No. 1

 

Literature References: - Doris Mills, L.S. Harris Inventory, 1936, City Paintings, catalogue #1, Art Gallery of Toronto - Jeremy Adamson, Lawren S. Harris: Urban Scenes and Wilderness Landscapes, 1906 – 1930, Art Gallery of Ontario, 1978, page 25 - Paul Duval, Lawren Harris: Where the Universe Sings, 2011, page 105, titled as House in the Ward, City Painting No. 1, circa 1918

Lawren Harris, a founding member of the Group of Seven in 1920, is renowned for his contributions to the history of abstraction in Canada. However, a lesser-known aspect of his artistic oeuvre is his profound exploration of urban scenes, particularly those depicting Toronto's diverse neighborhoods.

Harris's fascination with urban landscapes began during his training in Germany and continued upon his return to Toronto. His paintings vividly capture the city's immigrant neighborhoods, especially the Ward, bounded by Yonge Street, University Avenue, and Bloor Street. As noted by Jeremy Adamson, Harris was unmatched among the Group of Seven in his consistent portrayal of Toronto.

From 1909 to 1930, Harris's Toronto paintings reflected his deep connection to the city's evolving urban fabric. Notably, between 1919 and 1921, he exhibited more house paintings than any other theme, primarily focusing on Toronto subjects. His works from the Ward, characterized by their depiction of modest, decaying houses, stood in contrast to the more picturesque Canadian wilderness often favored by his peers.

Harris faced criticism for his choice of urban subjects, which some contemporaries saw as less picturesque compared to the wilderness scenes. Despite this, his urban and landscape works shared an intense, unparalleled attention to detail.

Harris's approach involved creating preliminary sketches in the field, which he later developed into larger canvases. This method allowed him to refine his compositions meticulously. A comparison between the sketch "Houses" Group XXXIII and the final painting, House in the Ward, Winter, City Painting No. 1, reveals significant compositional adjustments that enhance the painting's visual impact.

The sketch, created outdoors, showcases a snowy landscape with two red-brick houses and snow-laden trees. In contrast, the final canvas incorporates a more deliberate application of paint, simplified tree branches, and repositioned elements that bring clarity to the central house. Harris introduced dramatic shadows, suggesting a midday setting, which adds a striking clarity and the palpable chill of winter.

Harris made numerous subtle adjustments, such as lightening the brickwork color and deepening the window blinds' tone, enhancing the verticality of the houses and the composition's overall balance. These refinements resulted in a more compelling visual experience and a richer expression of Harris's unique vision of winter in the city.

House in the Ward, Winter, City Painting No. 1, remains a testament to Lawren Harris's profound ability to capture the essence of urban life in Toronto. His work continues to resonate with Canadians, reflecting both his mastery of technique and his deep connection to the city's urban landscape. Explore more about Lawren Harris and his remarkable urban scenes on our website. Dive into the world of Canadian art and discover how Harris's unique vision continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.

Lawren Harris: A Pioneer of Canadian Landscape Painting

Lawren Stewart Harris was a renowned Canadian landscape painter known for infusing his artworks with profound spiritual significance. As a leading figure in the Group of Seven, Harris redefined the representation of northern Canadian landscapes, inspiring countless artists with his visionary approach.

Born into a wealthy family, Harris had the financial freedom to pursue his passion for art. From 1904 to 1907, he studied in Germany, where he developed an interest in theosophy—a mystical branch of religious philosophy that deeply influenced his later works.

Harris's nationalist concerns found a home at the Arts and Letters Club in Toronto, where he met like-minded artists. In 1920, Harris, along with J.E.H. MacDonald, Frank Johnston, Franklin Carmichael, A.Y. Jackson, F.H. Varley, and Arthur Lismer, formed the Group of Seven. This collective was instrumental in creating new representations of the Canadian landscape, particularly the North.

Throughout his career, Harris's style evolved significantly: - **1918-1924:** Painted in the Algoma region - **1921-1928:** Explored the north shore of Lake Superior - **1924 onward:** Painted in the Rocky Mountains - **1930:** Traveled to the Arctic His works transitioned from Impressionist-influenced landscapes to stark depictions of northern vistas and eventually to geometric abstractions. 

Harris's journey into abstraction began during his stay in Hanover, New Hampshire (1934-1937), where he produced his first abstract pieces. In 1938, he moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he co-founded the Transcendental Painting Group, advocating for a spiritual form of abstraction. 

In 1940, Harris settled in Vancouver, where he continued to paint and contribute to the local arts scene until his death. His legacy lives on as a pioneering force in Canadian art, celebrated for his unique vision and spiritual depth.

Lawren Harris's contribution to Canadian art is immeasurable. His journey from decorative landscapes to spiritual abstractions marks him as a transformative figure in art history. For more on Harris's life and works, delve into his masterpieces and explore the profound spiritual undertones that define his legacy.

 

If you're looking to explore the masterpieces of Lawren Harris, a founding member of the Group of Seven, here's a list of top public institutions where you can view his iconic paintings.

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) - Toronto, Ontario

Home to one of the largest collections of Lawren Harris's works, the AGO offers a comprehensive look at his artistic journey, from early urban scenes to abstract landscapes.

National Gallery of Canada - Ottawa, Ontario

Visit the National Gallery of Canada to see a significant collection of Harris's paintings, showcasing the breadth and depth of his contribution to Canadian art.

McMichael Canadian Art Collection - Kleinburg, Ontario

Located in Kleinburg, this gallery focuses on Canadian art and features an extensive collection of Harris’s works, highlighting his role in the Group of Seven.

Vancouver Art Gallery - Vancouver, British Columbia

Discover Harris's paintings at the Vancouver Art Gallery, which includes notable pieces from his urban and wilderness periods.

Glenbow Museum - Calgary, Alberta

The Glenbow Museum offers a diverse collection of Canadian art, including several key works by Lawren Harris.

The Art Gallery of Alberta - Edmonton, Alberta

Explore the Art Gallery of Alberta's collection to find Harris’s paintings, illustrating his evolution as an artist.

Winnipeg Art Gallery - Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Winnipeg Art Gallery houses several of Harris's important works, providing insight into his artistic vision.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts - Montreal, Quebec

View a selection of Harris's paintings at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, featuring pieces that showcase his unique style and technique.

Art Gallery of Hamilton - Hamilton, Ontario

The Art Gallery of Hamilton includes a number of Harris's works, reflecting his impact on Canadian art.

These institutions provide a unique opportunity to experience the work of Lawren Harris firsthand. Whether you're interested in his early urban scenes or his later abstract landscapes, these galleries and museums offer a comprehensive view of his artistic legacy. For more information on where to view Lawren Harris’s paintings and to stay updated on exhibitions, visit our website. Discover the art of Lawren Harris and see why his work continues to captivate audiences around the world.