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 confident paintings to meticulous almost wire-like geometric designs. 

This evocative work on paper is a striking example from this series, depicting a pair of mirroring toy horses turned away from each other. Bold and exaggerated, the horses swell across the sheet, dominating the narrow composition with their commanding forms.

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" (Arabian Brothers)

Canada, 1977

Brush & ink and graphite on paper

Signed and dated by the artist, bottom right 

9.25"H 18"W (framed)

Very good condition.

Note: the price is $2,150 CAD

Provenance: The Estate of Harold Town