This oil by Carl Ahrens measures 24 x 20 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 at the Public Reference Library (Toronto) in October of 1911. At Mercer's death in 1916, the painting went to his brother, Frederick.
As far as I can tell the painting remained in the hands of the Mercer family at least until 1937. At that time it appeared at the Memorial Exhibition of Selected Works by Carl Ahrens held at Mellors Galleries in Toronto. It was priced at $500.
Carl's wife, Madonna Ahrens, described this painting this way: "the deep blue of the sky, the white clouds whose shadows dapple the country lane over which they hover, the rich subtle color of the whole landscape, make a painting of supreme beauty."
Moving Shadows
