This oil by Carl Ahrens measures 32 x 42 inches and was painted between 1908 and 1911, likely in Toronto or Leith, Ontario. It originally belonged to General Malcolm S. Mercer and was exhibited in the Public Reference Library (Toronto) in October of 1911. At Mercer's death in 1916, the painting passed to his brother, Frederick. In 1928 it was auctioned by the Jenkins Galleries of Toronto. The painting was lot # 445 and it sold for $250.
Interestingly enough this painting appears to have ended up back in Mercer hands. In 1935 Mrs. Frederick Mercer had a exhibition and sale of paintings from her late husband's collection, and this painting was listed as being among them. There was no price indicated and it is unclear whether or not the painting actually changed hands at that time.
This painting appeared at the 1937 Memorial Exhibition of Selected Works by Carl Ahrens held at the Mellors Galleries on Yonge Street in Toronto. The dimensions listed in the catalog (30 x 40) differ slightly from those listed at the 1928 auction. The painting was priced at $750.
The Upland Road
