A.Y. Jackson
(Can. 1882-1974)
Mountain Landscape, c. 1919-1920
Oil on panel, framed, Inscribed "A.C. Redfield, 20 Prescott St, Camb." verso
8 7/16" x 10 7/16" actual, 12 1/16" x 14 1/16" framed
Provenance:
Private Collection South Berwick, Maine
Other Notes:
Not long after receiving his doctoral degree from Harvard University in 1917, A.C. Redfield (Alfred Clarence) took a position for one year as an assistant professor of Physiology at the University of Toronto from 1919-1920. Redfield worked just a mile and half away from the studio building at 25 Severn Street in Toronto. The building was financed by Lawren Harris and Dr. James MacCallum. Construction was completed in 1914, the building was made up of a number of studios shared by Jackson and other Group of Seven members. While in Toronto, Redfield also worked with and under known Group of Seven patron J.J.R. Macleod and likely acquired this work from the artist around that time. While the exact location depicted is unknown, the work is similar to other views the artist painted in Algoma around 1919-1920. Redfield is listed as an assistant on two editions of a very important publication titled “Physiology and Biochemistry in Modern Medicine” by Macleod. Redfield assisted Macleod on updating his third edition which was likely written around 1919 and eventually published in 1920. Redfield is acknowledged by Macleod in the preface of the third edition and listed as a contributor on the fourth edition published in 1922. Redfield returned to his alma mater sometime between 1920-1921, accepting the position of assistant professor of Physiology at Harvard University around 1920. The pencil inscription that reads "A.C. Redfield, 20 Prescott St., Camb." matches Redfield's listed University address at the time (see included lot image of the Harvard University Register). The Haley and Steele frame was likely added between 1920 and 1926 when the firm was listed at the 109 St. James Avenue address. The size of the panel is nearly identical to countless known works by the artist including the work sold by Barridoff Auctions in March of 2022. Redfield went on to become a full time professor at Harvard University where he was employed up until his death in 1983. A more detailed history of A.C. Redfield can be found in a publication by the National Academy of Sciences written by Roger Revelle and published in 1995.