signed lower left; titled on the artist’s label verso
Francis Hans Johnston (known as Frank, and later Franz), was born in Toronto in 1888. His parents were Irish immigrants, of modest means, though encouraging of his early artistic interests. Johnston was broadly trained in the arts: he undertook early studies in Germany; apprenticed as a jewellery designer; attended night classes at the Central Technical School; trained at the Ontario College of Arts (under William Cruikshank and G. A. Reid); then subsequently studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. Johnston also had a strong background as a commercial artist, working for a short time at Grip Ltd. (where he met Tom Thompson and J. E. H. MacDonald), then later at a design firm in New York, before returning to Toronto in 1915.
Johnston was one of the founding members of the Group of Seven, and a major exhibitor during his first and only exhibition with the Group in 1920 (at the Art Gallery of Toronto, now Art Gallery of Ontario). In that first show, he exhibited and sold more works than any other Group member. Late that same year, Johnston had a solo exhibition of over 200 works, the largest by a single artist, at The Fine Art Galleries (T. Eaton Co. Ltd.). This would be the first of many solo exhibitions during his career. Following these successes, Johnston moved to Winnipeg to accept the position of Principal at the Winnipeg School of Art (1921-1924). When he returned to Toronto to teach at the Ontario College of Art (1927-1929), he formally (and amicably) ended his association with the Group of Seven. Johnston preferred independence, and to follow his own path and ideology. Following his time at the Ontario College of Art, Johnston maintained an interest in teaching, founding his own art school in Georgian Bay, which operated during the summers from 1930-1940.
Franz Johnston was a versatile artist and prolific exhibitor during his career, achieving considerable financial success from his art during his lifetime. He was comfortable and adept with various media, including oil, watercolour and tempera. He painted various subject matter, becoming more realistic in his depictions as his career evolved. His most prized works are those that showcase his fascination with the qualities of light, particularly as reflected off snow, a quality evident in this large narrative piece.
