Lawren Harris painting gifted to doctor who operated on son goes up for auction for first time

North Shore, Lake Superior, ca. 1927, is expected to fetch as much as $3 million and might even attract the attention of comic actor Steve Martin

by · National Post
NORTH SHORE, LAKE SUPERIOR, CA. 1927Photo by Waddington's Auctioneers and Appraisers, Toronto

A grand Lawren Harris oil painting of Lake Superior that hung for many years in a Toronto doctor’s office — a gift after the doctor declined payment for an appendectomy on the Group of Seven artist’s young son — is up for auction Thursday in Toronto, where it is expected to fetch as much as $3 million.

North Shore, Lake Superior, ca. 1927, might even attract the attention of comic actor Steve Martin, probably the best known contemporary Harris connoisseur, who once curated an exhibition of his work.

Jamie Sarkonak: National Gallery trades historical accuracy for diversityIn the 19th century, Canada was dependent on Britain for law, arts and culture. But as Canadian society grew, so did its capacity in the arts. A milestone in Canadian national identity was reached in the 1920s, with the introduction of an art movement spearheaded by the landscape painters later known as the Group of Seven.Jamie Sarkonak, 30 Jul 2023