Lot 34: Samuel Borenstein 1908 - 1969 Canadian oil on

Samuel Borenstein 1908 - 1969 Canadian oil on canvas Pier by the Sea, Laurentian Mountain 24 x 20 1/4 inches 61 x 51.4 centimeters signed Provenance:Louis and Rose Melzack Collection Private Collection, London, England The rural Quebec landscape served as a great inspiration for Sam Borenstein throughout his career. In particular, the Laurentians were a subject that he would continually return to, first traveling there in the 1940s under the guidance of art dealer William Watson. He also traveled further northeast to the Laurentian Mountains, a region near the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers. Pier by the Sea, Laurentian Mountain radiates with bold colour and movement, and in its strength, the work is vividly reminiscent of Borenstein's greatest influence, Dutch Post-Impressionist master Vincent van Gogh. Similar to van Gogh, Borenstein searched for his own painterly language and expression to portray the landscape he was so clearly moved by. The influence of van Gogh is palpable here, as Borenstein allows his enthusiasm for his subject to override formal technique. The water is particularly stirring, as the deep, greenish abyss of blue is highlighted by bold, textural accents of white and yellow. The final result is an emotionally charged, almost volatile work that exudes a vigorous energy.