James Wilson Morrice 1865 - 1924

Possibly from the collection of Blair Laing, Toronto

Private Collection, Toronto

This work has been viewed under UV and it is in excellent condition. There are some minor paint losses in tree. We would like to thank "In Restauro Conservart Inc." for examing this painting and their original notes are available upon request to Sotheby's.
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.
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This charming pochade is documented in the Archives of the Montreal Museum by a photograph that titles it Nuns in a Park. What is pictured, however, is a group of uniformed schoolgirls under the watchful eye of their teacher, a nun. The oblong size of the panel was used in his first series of small oil sketches in Venice and the Isle of Capri in 1894 and then here, upon his return to France.

It is difficult to ascertain where exactly this scene was painted but, in 1894, Morrice was living in Montparnasse. He enjoyed strolling through Paris and absorbing, and recording, his surroundings. In the left of this panel, he has included a double-sided bench that is typically found in parks in Paris, such as the Jardin de Luxembourg, one of Morrice's favourite haunts.

This is one of the first sketches where Morrice has painted figures. With concise brushwork and spare colour, Morrice has captured the rhythm of a procession of four schoolgirls. The nun, with her distinctive cornette, starched and white which flows around her head like unfurled sails, is likely a Fille de la Charité.

We extend special thanks to Lucie Dorais for her contribution to this entry. Ms. Dorais is currently compiling the catalogue raisonné for James Wilson Morrice.