Harold Town (1924-1990) remains one of the best-known and most intriguing artists from the "Painters Eleven" group. 

Town's reputation was established in the late 1950s with a series of mysterious unique abstract prints () that included collage elements. In 1956, he represented Canada at the Venice Biennale with these works. 

Over the following decades, the artist continued reinventing his aesthetic, regularly changing medium and mood. He was nicknamed the Picasso of Canada due to his constant evolution. By the mid-1960s, he was considered Canada's most famous artist. 

While Town made a significant contribution to Canadian abstraction, he created figurative works throughout his career. 

His "Toy Horse" series is arguably his most successful and iconic body of figurative work. Inspired by a Christmas gift, Town reimagined the subject through a number of variations during 1976-1983, ranging from  to . 

This evocative work on paper is a striking example from this series, depicting the subject's bold and exaggerated silhouette in a dramatic wash of monochromatic black ink. 

Today, Town's work is represented in prestigious collections across North America including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Museum of Modern Art (New York), and the Guggenheim (New York).

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"Toy Horse" (Friesian)

Canada, 1979

India ink on paper

Signed and dated by the artist, bottom right 

30"H  22"W (work)

36.5"H 28.5"W (framed)

Framed with museum glass

Detailed condition report by request. Overall very good condition.

Provenance: The Estate of Harold Town 

Additional framed images coming soon. Artwork is now floated on a black background. 

Note: the price is $5,500 CAD