Lot 71: Lawrence Biddle (1888-1968), PANSIES, SWEET WILLIAMS, ANCHAN, LINARIA, HELIOPHILA AND SAPONARIA, 14" x 20.75" - 35.6 x 52.7 cm.

LAWRENCE BIDDLE (1888-1968), BRITISHPANSIES, SWEET WILLIAMS, ANCHAN, LINARIA, HELIOPHILA AND SAPONARIAOil on board; signed and dated 42 lower right, titled and inscribed by the artist: "I have had great pleasure in painting this picture especially for Mr. and Mrs. George R. Paterson and it is I believe one of the best I have ever painted" and "marked TV in the artist's catalogue" to label verso.Together with 10 handwritten letters from the artist to the Patersons pertaining to the painting (from its conception to its completion and delivery to Mr. and Mrs. Paterson, dating from June 5, 1942 to August 25th, 1942 with an envelope addressed to Mrs. Paterson while they resided in London14" x 20.75" - 35.6 x 52.7 cm.Provenance:Direct from the artist, painted for Mr. and Mrs. George R. PatersonNote:In the various letters exchanged between the artist and the Patersons, the Patersons commissioned the artist to paint a still-life like that of their brother. Their brother, a Toronto resident, owned a Biddle work that depicts Canadian flowers.Biddle explained to the couple that he liked to paint fresh flowers from his garden rather than dried flower samples he would have to use in order to accomodate their request for Canadian flowers. The final compromise resulted in a selection of British and Canadian flowers for the composition. The artist discusses with the Patersons colour choices and he was asked not to use yellow in the composition. He also discusses the frame chosen and the glass over top which is still intact today. Mrs. Patterson requested that the bowl be inscribed with a "P"; however in the end the artist felt the choice of a gold floral design was more suiting.Estimate: $1,000-1,500