David Brown Milne 1882 - 1953

Patsy Milne, the artist's wife 
Private Collection, Markham
Paul Duval, Toronto, 1962

Private Collection, Toronto

Private Collection, Toronto, c. 1985

David Milne Jr. and David P. Silcox, David B. Milne Catalogue Raisonné of the Paintings, Volume I, 102.21, p. 22, illustrated

This painting is in good condition. There were two abrasions in the upper right corner that were repaired with glue on the reverse. Some of the blossoms and stems fluoresce under UV because of the presence of cadmium pigment.
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.

This is one of Milne's earliest paintings following his three years at the Art Students' League in New York and was likely painted in 1906. It clearly demonstrates his love of flowers, which were to be the subject of many of his paintings throughout his long career. For Milne, flowers were metaphors for art and artists; art, like flowers, was 'useless' in any practical sense, but both were 'a statement of faith, a declaration that for us there is more to life than mere continuance, it is good for itself, without purpose, that heaven is not far away and shadowy and unreal, but here, now, and very real.'