Robert Wakeham Pilot 1898 - 1967

Private Collection, Quebec

This painting is in very good condition with no apparent issues under UV. The canvas has been relined and buckles slightly in some areas. There is minor craquellure throughout. We would like to thank In Restauro for their assistance with this condition report. To see their original notes, please contact Sotheby's directly.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Pilot is well-known for the charm and artistry he used to paint the Quebec landscape.

Maison Canadienne is a remarkable work painted when Pilot was only twenty-five years old.  He chose to paint this typical French Canadian house on a warm spring day when the sun was high in the sky melting the snow and icicles on the roof.  This country home was typical of rural Quebec with its hand hewn timbers, field stone construction and bell-cast roof.

Although there are no figures seen, he carefully notes the presence of inhabitants with curtains in the windows, the handle of a shovel leaning against the wall, and muddy tracks where a sleigh or wagon would have stopped in front of the house.

His careful attention to sunlight's effects would serve him well as he went on to explore Impressionism in his art.