Hollyhocks along the coast
19.5 x 23.5 in (49.5 x 59.7 cm) including frame
(Includes Buyer's Premium)
Robert Gagen
Robert Ford Gagen was a pioneering Canadian painter, best known for his seascapes and landscapes. Born in London, England, Gagen immigrated to Canada with his family in 1862, settling in Seaforth, Ontario. It was here that he began his artistic education, first under the guidance of local artist William Nicoll Cresswell, and later with George Gilbert in Toronto. Gagen’s early work included watercolor portraits and miniatures, but he soon developed a deep passion for capturing the natural world, focusing on the dynamic coastal and river landscapes of Canada and the United States.
Throughout his career, Gagen traveled widely to paint various coastal and inland scenes, from the Maritime Provinces and Quebec’s St. Lawrence River to the shores of Maine and Massachusetts. He painted the Canadian Rockies in 1890 and later explored Scotland and Switzerland. Gagen's dedication to depicting the natural beauty of the land earned him widespread recognition. His work was included in major exhibitions, such as the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, and later, at the Pan-American Exposition and the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, where he earned honorable mention.
A respected member of the art community, Gagen played a key role in shaping Ontario’s artistic institutions. He was a founding member of the Ontario Society of Artists in 1872 and served as its long-term secretary until his death. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Academy, where he earned full membership in 1915. Additionally, Gagen was instrumental in organizing art exhibitions for the Canadian National Exhibition and served as the Director of Fine Arts Exhibitions for many years. His influence extended beyond his artwork, as he also helped establish the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour and was involved in the leadership of the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto.
Today, Gagen’s legacy continues, with his works featured in prominent collections like the National Gallery of Canada and the Art Gallery of Ontario. His contributions to Canadian art, both in terms of his evocative landscapes and his tireless advocacy for the arts, ensure that he remains a significant figure in the history of Canadian painting.
Canadian Fine Art Auction
March 13 - March 27, 2025
212 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg MB
(204) 255-5690
mayberryfineart.com
info@mayberryfineart.com
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Bidding Range
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Increment
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|---|---|
| $0.00 - $500.00 | $10.00 |
| $500.00 - $1,000.00 | $25.00 |
| $1,000.00 - $5,000.00 | $50.00 |
| $5,000.00 - $10,000.00 | $100.00 |
| $10,000.00 - $20,000.00 | $200.00 |
| $20,000.00 - $50,000.00 | $500.00 |
| $50,000.00 - $100,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| $100,000.00+ | $5,000.00 |
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