The Visionary (est. 1978)

Norval Morrisseau

Limited Edition Silk Screen 50/62

37" x 51" | Framed

The Visionary

Norval Morrisseau, RCA
Artist With Thunderbird Vision (The Visionary)
Circa 1978
Original limited-edition serigraph on paper
Edition 50 of 62
Signed, titled and numbered in pencil
Published by Great Grasslands Graphics, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Bold, complex and deeply autobiographical, The Visionary presents Morrisseau in communion with the Thunderbird—an image closely connected to his spiritual identity and the name Copper Thunderbird.

Against a luminous mustard-yellow field, human, animal and spirit forms are joined through Morrisseau’s unmistakable black formlines. Electric blue, ochre, green and brown move through the composition like currents, creating an image that is both monumental and intensely personal.

This particular impression carries an unusual provenance. A signed statement from Ian Sigvaldason of Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art records former owner Robert “Bob” Checkwitch’s account that Morrisseau personally reworked a localized area of the print. That intervention remains visible and fully documented.

The monumental original acrylic painting upon which this serigraph is based was later included in the landmark 1989 exhibition Magiciens de la Terre in Paris, where Morrisseau was photographed with the work.

Artwork details

Artist: Norval Morrisseau
Title: Artist With Thunderbird Vision (The Visionary)
Date: Circa 1978
Medium: Original limited-edition serigraph on paper
Edition: 50 of 62
Publisher: Great Grasslands Graphics, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Inscribed: Signed, titled and numbered in pencil
Framed dimensions: 37 × 51 inches
Orientation: Vertical
Presentation: Framed under older reflective glass
Documented history: Accompanied by a signed 2026 provenance statement from Ian Sigvaldason, Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art Ltd.
Notable feature: Localized painted intervention attributed to Morrisseau through documented oral provenance

Provenance

Formerly in the collection of Robert “Bob” Checkwitch.

This impression is accompanied by a signed provenance statement dated May 10, 2026, from Ian Sigvaldason of Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art Ltd.

According to Sigvaldason, the print was acquired directly from Checkwitch in Souris, Prince Edward Island, in February 2010. Checkwitch had been a longtime friend, close companion and professional associate of Norval Morrisseau, as well as the owner of Great Grasslands Graphics in Winnipeg during the 1970s and 1980s.

Sigvaldason records that Checkwitch had retained The Visionary alongside original works by Morrisseau and considered this particular impression unusual. According to Checkwitch’s account, Morrisseau personally reworked a localized section of the yellow field after making a change to the printed image, painting over the area himself.

The visible intervention is documented in the condition photographs accompanying the work. Because this history is based on conversations recalled by Checkwitch and recorded by Sigvaldason, Steffich Fine Art presents it as documented oral provenance rather than independently verified fact.

Checkwitch also recalled Morrisseau speaking about The Visionary, the Copper Thunderbird appearing to him in a dream, and the importance of that experience to the artist’s developing identity.

The signed provenance statement accompanies the artwork as part of its documentation package.

Condition

The serigraph is offered in fair condition, primarily because of its older framing, glazing and visible age-related imperfections.

A localized area within the yellow field has been painted over. According to the signed provenance statement from Ian Sigvaldason, former owner Robert “Bob” Checkwitch stated that Morrisseau personally reworked this area after making a change to the printed image.

This intervention is visible in the detailed condition photographs and has not been concealed or digitally removed. While the account cannot be independently verified, it forms part of the documented oral provenance of this individual impression and may distinguish it from others in the edition.

The existing frame and glass are older and show wear, including abrasions and chipped corners. The glazing predates modern non-reflective museum glass and produces visible reflections. New conservation framing with UV-protective glazing is recommended.

The price reflects the print’s present condition and older presentation, while also recognizing its unusually large scale, small edition and rarity.

Additional condition photographs are available, and we welcome questions before purchase.

Authenticity and gallery guarantee

Steffich Fine Art guarantees this work to be an original limited-edition Norval Morrisseau serigraph.

The artwork is accompanied by a detailed provenance package, including a signed statement from Ian Sigvaldason of Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art Ltd., edition and inscription photographs, condition documentation and supporting historical reference material.

Where a historical account is based on the recollection of a former owner or associate, Steffich Fine Art identifies it as documented oral provenance rather than presenting it as independently verified fact.