Tony Scherman (1950-2023) is one of the most collected and cherished Canadian artists. He is internationally renowned for his work 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 the technique of encaustic painting. 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.
Scherman's allusions to both history, and the history of visual art, are constants in his oeuvre. This painting portrays a subject that Scherman continually revisited: The Seduction of Oedipus. From his Unthinkable Thoughts series, the work depicts Oedipus' mother/lover Jocasta in forbidden ecstasy.
"Oedipus Rex" is an ancient text by Sophocles that recounts the brutal and carnal stories of this sinister and tragic royal family. Since its publication nearly 2500 years ago, it has inspired an astonishing number of interpretations by an array of artists ranging from Ingres to Ralph Fiennes to Voltaire. Scherman has repeatedly visited these and other historical characters over the course of his career.
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).
Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto Gallery.
"M.D. Priest as Mummy Jocasta"
from Unthinkable Thoughts
Canada, 2002-03
Encaustic on canvas
Titled and signed, lower right
Titled, signed, and dated, verso
30"H 30"W (work)
33"H 33"W (framed)
Very good condition
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.
- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.