This oil by Carl Ahrens measures 32 x 25 inches and was painted between 1908 and 1911, likely in Toronto or Leith, Ontario. It originally belonged to General Malcolm S. Mercer and was exhibited in the Public Reference Library (Toronto) in October of 1911. At Mercer's death, it passed to his brother, Frederick. In 1928 it was auctioned by the Jenkins Galleries of Toronto. It was lot # 452 and sold for $625.
Interestingly enough, it appears this painting ended up back in Mercer hands. In 1935 Mrs. Frederick Mercer had an exhibition and sale of paintings from her late husband's collection. This painting was listed as being among those. There was no price indicated or confirmation of whether a sale took place at that time.
This painting appeared at the 1937 Memorial Exhibition of Selected Works of Carl Ahrens held at the Mellors Galleries in Toronto. The dimensions listed in the catalog (30 x 24) differ slightly from those given at the 1928 auction. It was listed for sale for $500. A black and white photo of the painting appeared in the catalog.
This painting is also listed as appearing at the 1937 Retrospective Exhibition of Paintings by Seven Waterloo County Artists at the Preston Springs in Preston, Ontario. It was listed as being owned by Mellors Fine Arts and priced at $500.
The painting is now part of the collection of the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre in Guelph, Ontario. To see an image of this painting, please click here.
The Forest Way