(1924-1990) is renowned across Canada for his eclectic and dynamic body of work. 

In the 1950s, Town established his reputation with a series of abstract monotypes (called ). He would exhibit these works at the Venice Biennale to great fanfare in Europe and beyond. By the 1960s, he was considered the most famous artist in Canada.  

Town experimented fearlessly.  Consider how different his "" is from his "" or even his "" works. In every decade, Town would switch gears and embark on a new series with new material, courage, and conviction.  

"Charlie Chaplin with Dancers" is a superlative example of Town’s deep fascination with cinema and Hollywood icons. His exploration began in 1971 with the drawing collection, “Silent Stars, Sound Stars, Film Stars,” which delved into the onscreen personas of popular Hollywood characters. 

Charlie Chaplin was one of the artist's most beloved figures, depicting his distinct and charming persona throughout his oeuvre. Like Chaplin, who conveyed humor through subtle expression, Town was a master of nuance, rendering evocative scenes with incredible restraint. 

This drawing is a paradigm of Town's incredible ability as a draftsman. The artist captures Chaplin sitting amongst a sea of dancers who fawn over the comedian as he gazes downward. The drawing is densely detailed, packing the composition with a sense of liveliness and chatter, while maintaining the confident control of Town's stylized linework.

Today, Town's work is represented in prestigious collections across North America including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Museum of Modern Art (New York), and the Guggenheim (New York).

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"Untitled (Charlie Chaplin with Dancers)"

Canada, 1984

Graphite on paper

Signed and dated by the artist, top left

17.25"H 22.25"W (work)

23.75"H 28.25"W (framed)

Very good condition. 

Provenance: the Estate of Harold Town

Note: the price is $5,000 CAD