A rare painting of Emerald Lake is returning to Canada for the first time since it was painted by Sir Winston Churchill nearly a century ago.
The oil painting was completed during a quiet vacation to the area in 1929 and was originally thought to be of Lake Louise.
The painting was given to Sir Winston’s longtime body guard Sergeant Edmund Murray and the scene was later identified as Emerald Lake.
The painting was kept in the family for years before Murray’s son, Bill, listed it on the Sotheby’s of London auction site.
It was estimated that the piece would sell for between $11,000 and $15,000 when it went up for auction.
It was sold to Calgarian and Masters Gallery Owner, Ryan Green, for $87,257.
“The 1929 Emerald Lake canvas by Sir Winston Churchill offers a rare glimpse at the artistic expression of one of the most influential minds in history,” said Green in a statement. “Churchill was very fond of Canada’s natural world and made several visits. In letters written to his wife within days of painting Emerald Lake he remarked on its beauty and he wished to one day return with her on a more permanent basis.”
Masters Gallery will hold a private viewing of the work on April 12, 2018.
