Arnold Shives "Dawn of the River Ganges" Linocut

Updated September 5, 2026

Lot number	4
Estimate	900.00 - 1,500.00 CAD
Auction	IMPORTANT CANADIAN ART AUCTION Wednesday Sept 16th 7pm
Date	September 16, 2026 at 6:59 PM EDT
Auction house	Erin Auctions
Location	Erin

Limited Edition Colour Linocut Artist: Arnold Shives (Canadian, b. 1949) Title: Dawn of the River Ganges Date: 1975 Medium: Colour Linocut on Paper Edition: 7/11 Signed & Dated: Lower right, signed and dated 19/12/75 in pencil Titled: Lower centre in pencil Sight Size: 33" × 25" Framed Size: 38" × 30" An exceptional large-format colour linocut by renowned Canadian printmaker Arnold Shives, titled "Dawn of the River Ganges." Executed in 1975, this scarce artist-signed work is numbered 7 of only 11 impressions, making it an exceptionally rare edition. The composition presents a highly stylized interpretation of the sacred River Ganges through bold graphic design and masterful printmaking. Strong vertical forms, flowing linear patterns, and carefully balanced areas of deep indigo, slate grey, and luminous sky blue create an image that is both contemplative and visually striking. The elegant interplay of positive and negative space reflects Shives' sophisticated command of relief printmaking and his distinctive contemporary aesthetic. Printed in a remarkably small edition of only eleven impressions, this work represents an uncommon opportunity to acquire one of Arnold Shives' important early graphic works. The generous scale further enhances its visual presence, making it an impressive addition to any collection of Canadian prints or contemporary graphic art. Artist Biography Arnold Shives R.C.A. (born 1949) is an accomplished Canadian painter, printmaker, educator, and designer whose career has spanned more than five decades. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Shives has worked extensively in painting, printmaking, and public art, earning recognition for his distinctive graphic language and refined sense of composition. His work frequently explores landscape, architecture, and symbolic imagery through bold linear design and carefully orchestrated colour relationships. Throughout his career, Shives has exhibited widely across Canada and internationally, with works held in numerous public, corporate, and private collections. In addition to his studio practice, he has contributed significantly to arts education and public commissions, establishing himself as one of British Columbia's respected contemporary artists.

Arnold Shives "Dawn of the River Ganges" Linocut

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