Tony Scherman (1950 - 2023) 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.

Caviar20 is excited to be offering this exceptional portrait, realized in a extrememly rare pistachio/pastel green background.

"My Girlfriend Ophelia: The Cream of Denmark" is a fantastic example of Scherman's mastery of encaustic. Ophelia, the tragic character from Shakespeare's Hamlet, is one of Scherman's favorite muses. One could question whether the artist was haunted by this young woman and her demise.

Ophelia is one of the best-known characters in Shakespeare's work. A key figure in Hamlet, she has been considered as a symbol of femininity, despite the obvious stereotypes regarding women and fragility. A noblewoman in Denmark, and a potential bride of Hamlet's, she goes mad and eventually drowns.

While Scherman's palette is frequently moody, featuring dark backgrounds reminiscent of chiaroscuro, here his palette is soft and sumptuous. The result is an ethereal, light-bathed composition. The intricate layers, varying opacity, and remarkably rich texture contribute to a sumptuously elegant portrait. Yet despite these gentler hues there is something unsettled or suspicious in this young woman's regard.

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