This oil by Carl Ahrens measures 20 x 25 inches and was painted between 1908 and 1911, likely in Toronto or Leith, Ontario. It was originally owned by General Malcolm S. Mercer and was exhibited in the Public Reference Library (Toronto) in October of 1911. At Mercer's death in 1916, the painting passed to his brother, Frederick. In 1928 the Jenkins Galleries auctioned it off. It was lot # 441 and sold for $350.
Interestingly enough, this painting appears to have been back in the possession of the Mercers by 1935. In that year, Mrs. Frederick Mercer had an exhibition and sale of many of the paintings in her late husband's collection. This painting was listed among them. There is no price indicated and it is unclear if the painting actually changed hands at that time.
This painting also appeared at the 1937 Memorial Exhibition of Selected Works by Carl Ahrens held at the Mellors Galleries. The dimensions listed in the catalog (20 x 24) differ slightly from those given at the 1928 auction. The painting was listed for sale at $200.
The Woods
