Artist Captures Moods of the Season

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what I would like to know if this painting is worth anything. I bought it about three years ago at one of my favorite vintage stores in Almonte, Ontario. I was drawn to the colors and style, which reminded me of a Tom Thompson/Group of Seven landscape. The artist is Sid Charles Mooney and the oil painting, on board, measures 11 x 14 inches (28 x 35.5 cm). It is titled ‘Mud Lake’ dated October 1981. A note referring to this and another, partly on the back, reads ‘…done in my favorite places. Mud Lake near my hometown of Perth, Ontario. – A town called Fallbrooke. They take from one to 1.75 hours to paint.’ Thanks for your interest.

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Kate, Ottawa

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A Sidney Mooney (1927-2018), born in Montreal, spent much of his early life in Perth, Ontario, and his later life in Ottawa. Primarily self-taught, he was influenced and taught by the Group of Seven artist, AY Jackson. He captured a large area of ​​Canada, including the Ottawa Valley, Gatineau Hills, Gaspé, Algonquin Park, and Georgian Bay. As a label on the back reads, ‘Born draftsman, he paints on the spot…capturing the changing seasons and moods’. He chose well and your painting reflects the wonderful Canadian ‘Group’ flavor of autumn with splashes of vivid color, cloudy blue skies and fluid motion. It’s a solid value at $750 today.

what This ‘ballerina’ belonged to my in-laws and could have been purchased in South America many years ago. There is a name marked at the bottom of the figure. I have no further information on where or when it was purchased. She is 47 cm tall (18.5 inches). Thank you very much for taking a look at this sculpture. I would be interested to know something about it.

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Eric, Ottawa

A Much of Josef Lorenzl’s (1892-1950) work was cast in the foundries of Vienna, Austria, where he also began his training and career. This is an Art Deco form and Lorenzl designed many different poses of daring dancers. He also designed mascots for cars and more. This bronze figurine was probably designed and made in the 1920s or early 1930s. Patinas can more easily deteriorate when cold painted: colors are not ‘set’ with an additional firing step. That’s why there are only a few gold points left in yours. Examples with intact patina are worth ‘the money’ for serious collectors. ‘As is’ is worth around $250. With the patina intact, this figurine could fetch $2,000 very quickly.

what This incredibly beautiful plate was given to me by a friend who lived in Annecy, France. He told me it was valuable and dated from the 1920’s. I’ve had it on display in my house for 30 years. It is 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide and has many markings on the bottom. I would be interested in an assessment of this dish. Thank you very much for taking the time to look at it.

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Caroline, Ottawa

A Longwy Faience Co. of Longwy, France, produced their plate with these striking glaze colors. The process used mimics cloisonné items made by Asian artisans, one in which strips of metal outline the edges of colors. His piece is faience earthenware: pottery with a milky white “tin” glaze that is then carved to form rims to apply colors within the carved edges. Glossy enamels are typical of this firm and the Asian influence is also evident in the cartouche with birds on a Prunus branch surrounded by peony vines. The markings date it between 1920 and 1940. It is very attractive and has a value of $150.

John Sewell is an antique and fine art appraiser. To submit an article to his column, go to the ‘Contact John’ page at www.johnsewellantiques.ca. Measure your part, say when and how you got it, how much you paid, and list identifying marks. A high resolution jpeg photo must also be included. (Only email submissions are accepted.)

* Appraised values ​​are estimates only.*