Only for the second time since 1932 is the original oil on canvas, “The Legends of the St. Lawrence”, being made available to the public.
Painted in 1931 by famous Canadian artist Jack McLaren O.S.A., this painting was first offered for sale to the public at the 1932 Canadian National Exhibition for $1,200.00.
The painting is in excellent condition, measures 57 X 31 and is in the original wooden frame. This painting has been handed down through the family for several generations and with the sole exception of its debut and the CNE in 1932 has never been for sale. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Jack McLaren 1895 – 1988, had a fascinating history which included:
• Serving as a sniper in France during WWI with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
• Performing in the wartime comedy troupes “Princess Patricia’s Comedy Troupe” and “The Dumbells” which later went on to fame performing on Broadway in New York City after the war.
• Being a member of Ontario’s prestigious Ontario Society of Artists (OSA) and Toronto’s Arts and Letters Club.
Jack McLaren painted hundreds of oils which currently hang in such notable places as the McMichael Gallery, National Art Gallery of Canada, numerous Royal Canadian Legion Halls and dozens of private residences across Canada and the world.
These paintings are very rare and represent an important piece of Canadian history. Coveted by collectors across the world for their style, originality and distinctive character , they have their own vernacular in that they aren’t just paintings; they’re “McLaren’s”.
This is your chance to own a “McLaren”
This painting is a true Canadian treasure reflecting an original Canadian legend as seen through the eyes of a truly inspired and tremendously talented young man in 1930’s Canada. It’s an exciting feeling to be able to actually touch something one of a kind like this, a direct connection to our past.
Handwritten description written on green stationary included:
The Legends of the St. Lawrence.
These legends came originally from Northern Europe and were adapted by the French Canadians. There are eight different Legends but this painting is about the “Legend of the White Whales”.
The story is that the natives of a small village on the Shores of the St. Lawrence river were at the local pub or Estaminet having a party – Fiddlers playing and the people dancing.
Suddenly large hands appeared on the Walls directing the men-folk down to the shore where there lay a group of dead white whales or Belugas. They were instructed to get on the backs of the whales – The whales came alive and carried the men down the St. Lawrence River and out to Sea. The whale blowing fire through their blow holes & their eyes lighted up.
- Jack McLaren
Group of Eight?
A little known historical fact about Jack McLaren is that, during the 1920’s, had he accepted an offer from a man named Lawren Harris to join a group of already famous Canadian artists, Canada would have the Group of Eight! Choosing, instead to pursue other things, Jack changed history.
Several theatrical productions have been created around Jack McLaren’s life including “The Legend of the Dumbells” , which was produced at the Charlottetown festival in Prince Edward Island as recently as 2002, and “The Life that Jack Built”.
So, do your homework if you are not familiar with Jack. If you are one of the many people who know of Jack McLaren and would like to own a particularly significant piece of his work, or you are just interested in Canadian art then please don’t pass up this opportunity. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. No prints have been made of this painting, it remains an original.
Price
Serious offers only will be considered.
Refund / Return
No refund or return will be available on this painting. Once it has been purchased it is the property of the purchaser. It is up to the purchaser to be completely satisfied with the painting before making an offer and completing the purchase.
Payment, Shipping and Handling
Payment in full can be made by Cashiers Cheque, Certified Cheque or Cash Only.
The painting can be shipped, completely insured, worldwide for cost of crating, insurance and courier service. Alternatively, you can make arrangements to have it picked up personally. The painting is located in Ottawa Ontario. Contact seller for more details, additional pictures or to make arrangements to view this work by using the ‘contact seller’ link.
