1930s Ozias Leduc Pencil Drawing Study of "Exode Xii" With Artist Notations

Description

A rare and important pencil drawing by Canadian artist Ozias Leduc titled "Exode XII". Mounted on simple gilt gesso frame, … more A rare and important pencil drawing by Canadian artist Ozias Leduc titled "Exode XII". Mounted on simple gilt gesso frame, matted in light blue with gold trim, behind glass. Center drawing of a figure with what appears to be religious in subject, man bearing wings, with a sword in hand. Very likely to be an early church commission, Ozias Leduc's handwritten notations surrounding the entire main subject image. Circa early 20th century and quite possibly earlier.

A full hour of Ozias Leduc's history and life documentary can be seen on YouTube.

Provenance of Galerie Gauvreau Gallery, Montreal Canada. Authenticated by Gilles Gauvreau.

Ozias Leduc (1864 - 1955)
Leduc was mainly self-taught. Around 1880, he worked with Luigi Cappello, an Italian painter, on church decorations. Around 1881, he was employed at Carli, a manufacturer of statues in Montreal. Around 1883, he worked with Adolphe Rho, decorating another church, this time in Yamachiche. After that, he started working on his own on church decorations. Leduc made a brief trip to Paris and London in 1897 with Suzor-Coté, where he was influenced by the Impressionists. Leduc lived a very solitary life in his home town and was dubbed "the sage of St-Hilaire". He received an Honorary doctorate from the Université de Montréal in 1938. He was made a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. His legacy includes teaching Paul-Émile Borduas.

He is best known for his work decorating the Notre-Dame-de-la-Présentation church in Shawinigan South, Quebec, a project which took him thirteen years, until his death. The work was completed by his assistant, Gabrielle Messier. Notre-Dame-de-la-Présentation church was designated a National Historic Site in 2004 and a federal marker reflecting that status was erected at the church in 2005.

Frame size: 12.25"W x 75"D x 15.25"H
Artwork size: 7"W x 8"H less