Presented here is an original oil on canvas painting by Canadian portrait and landscape painter John Wycliffe Lowes Forster. In 1869 Forster began studying portraiture in Toronto. He travelled to Europe in 1875 and 1879 where he studied painting in Paris. He returned to Toronto to establish a permanent studio in 1883, and over the next few decades exhibited locally and internationally. His sitters included Alexander Graham Bell and prime ministers Laurier, Macdonald and King. Forster is represented in the federal and provincial parliamentary collections and numerous other public collections such as the National Gallery of Canada. His writings include 2 volumes of autobiography and a survey of early Ontario artists.
This oil on canvas portrays an unidentified elderly woman, showcasing the artist's mastery in portrait painting. The painting captures the warmth and gentleness of her expression, complemented by the exquisite handling of her white blouse and black dress.
The work is excellent condition and is beautifully framed. It is signed ‘JWL Forster’ on the bottom right. The canvas measures 20”x24” (51x61cm), the frame measures 25.5”X29.5” (65x75cm).