Sold for: $28,125

PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the Artist
By descent to the present Private Collection, Toronto

William Kurelek’s subjects were often drawn from his own memories of growing up on a dairy farm in Manitoba: the daily labours of rural life, the recreations of childhood, or - as in this painting - the quiet moments in between work and leisure. Here, a farm boy (likely Kurelek himself) has fallen asleep while tending to the family cows at pasture. His walking stick and lunch bag by his side, the herd has drifted off to the edge of the image, tempted by the greener fields in the distance. He’s accompanied by a horse who, unlike the idle farmboy, has been keeping close tabs on the time, and nudges him awake with the message that gives the work its title. Rooted in nostalgia and humour, Kurelek’s narrative paintings are at their best when he is at his most intimate and familiar: the innocent laze of a summer’s day, and the gentle reminder of work to be done.

A similar scene appears in Kurelek’s book “A Prairie Boy’s Summer,” depicting Kurelek reading in a field while keeping a somewhat closer eye on the herd.

This work is in the original frame made by Kurelek.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars

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