While landscapes are an important part of the artist's oeuvre, they do not come on the secondary market very often.

Tony Scherman (b. 1950) is one of the most collected and cherished Canadian artists. He is renowned internationally for his work, typically executed in encaustic, a mix of wax and oil (one of the most difficult mediums to work in).

Scherman frequently alludes to the grandeur of past centuries, both in his subject matter and his technique of painting with encaustic. The artist is continuing a tradition, of working with this material, that has been propelled through art history by a diverse number of canonical artists including Pieter Claesz, Caravaggio, and Cézanne.

"Ciao Gaia" is a fantastic example of Scherman's mastery of encaustic as well as a rare depiction of a landscape. The intricate layers, varying opacity, and remarkably rich texture contribute to a sumptuously elegant and atmospheric Italianate landscape punctuated by two trees. These elegant cypresses emerge from beneath luminous mauve and lemon brushwork adding a dreamy ambiance to the work.

Scherman's palette is frequently moody, reminiscent of chiaroscuro, yet here balances a gentler mix of earth tones and muted pastels. The result is an ethereal, light-bathed composition. We are proud to be including this masterpiece as part of our Toronto20 exhibition.

Scherman’s work can be found in nearly every public collection in Canada, as well as many international museums including LACMA (Los Angeles) and Centre Pompidou (Paris).

Condition--Very good