Lot 54: Edward John (E.J.) Hughes 1913 - 2007 Canadian oil

Edward John (E.J.) Hughes 1913 - 2007 Canadian oil on canvas The Chilliwack River at Hope, BC 25 x 32 inches 63.5 x 81.3 centimeters signed and dated 1961 and on verso signed, titled, dated, inscribed with the Dominion Gallery inventory #A2850 and stamped Dominion Gallery Literature:The E.J. Hughes Album, The Paintings Volume I, 1932 - 1991, 2011, reproduced page 34, titled as Hope River at Chilliwack, BC Provenance:Dominion Gallery, Montreal Private Estate, Vancouver In the 1960s, E.J. Hughes had a flourishing relationship with his dealer Dr. Max Stern at the Dominion Gallery in Montreal that allowed him to devote himself to his painting. He was experiencing recognition, having appeared in the 1961 documentary Five BC Painters on CBC Television's The Seven Lively Arts. Hughes's utterly original work is deeply rooted in British Columbia, but, like Emily Carr, he could not be called a regionalist. His work transcends that boundary through his timeless expression of order and beauty in the natural world. His work in the 1960s had evolved into a style that was more realistic, with exquisite attention to detail. This work is an outstanding example of Hughes's pastoral farm scenes that he did in the Fraser, Comox and Cowichan valleys. Characteristic of the sought-after 1960s works is the rich colour, most notably the deep blue mountains. The light is brilliant and even, illuminating each detail of the landscape. This ordered, still work speaks of the peaceful union of man and nature, a vision deeply meaningful to Hughes.