Paul Kane Goes South: The Sale of the Family's Collection of Field Sketches

摘要: Between 1845 and 1848, Torontonian Paul Kane, the best-known nineteenth-century Canadian artist, travelled west painting writing about upper Great Lakes, North-West, new Oregon Territory in United States, Vancouver Island. After his return to Toronto, he work enjoyed an unprecedented reputation, but a century later more than 200 of Kane's field sketches notes were sold by grandson American collector. Surviving correspondence clarifies how collection, on sale for 30 years, eventually left family's possession. The sparked debate cultural policy helped bring Cultural Property Export Import Act (1977), effectiveness which is evaluated terms this prodigious collection. Kane (1810-71), Irish-born painter from across North America Island years 1846 1848. Because route took him down Columbia River into Oregon, virtue Treaty had just become part States,(f.1) paintings that trip have as much interest collectors Western Americana. As result, two contradictory interpretations attend figure today. One prior Group Seven, and, therefore, represents early Canada many Canadians; indeed, works form touchstone heritage. Reproductions oil adorn historic sites, high school bears name, passages book been dramatized, harkens back pre-industrial attachment land. other interpretation made collectors. Regardless their value country despite awareness directors institutions, cross States when Americans learn they are available. A study life art national significance, would appear afford grounds investigation relation repute among By focussing particular collection work, will observe cannot always mount safeguards counter strength marketplace. It also observe, however, straightforward linking case others difficult because role played ownership grandson, III, considerable amount subject matter not, strictly speaking, Canadian. I biography well known thanks Frontier, thorough provided 25 ago late Russell Harper. More recent scholarship Carol Lowrey helpfully shows that, at age 23, himself listed York Commercial Directory ... 1833-4 "Cane, Paul, Coach, Sign House-painter, 158 King-street" (Walton; qtd. Lowrey, "Society" 101).(f.2) Even though it might not merited inclusion commercial directory, fact painted pictures time contribution nine them -- one original exhibition July 1834 Society Artists & Amateurs Toronto (Catalogue First), changed its name March same year. was arranged Assembly Chamber east block recently completed (1832) red-brick building Front Street, near city's waterfront, served third Parliament Buildings. Although public success, result necessarily be attributed lack interest. explains, "A cholera epidemic struck city; this, coupled with intense heat July, discouraged citizens venturing forth visit exhibition" ("Society" 110). …