A Moment Rediscovered: The 1987 Installation of a Rare Kosso Eloul Sculpture
Kosso Eloul sculpture currently at 13th Street Winery, available for viewing
Sometimes, history reveals itself in the most unexpected ways. Recently, we uncovered a remarkable collection of photographs from 1987 documenting the installation of a rare Kosso Eloul sculpture — a moment frozen in time that offers collectors and art lovers a unique glimpse into a pivotal chapter of Canadian art history.
In 1987, renowned modern sculptor Kosso Eloul—whose monumental works grace public spaces from Toronto to Jerusalem—was commissioned to create a striking outdoor sculpture for the private garden of John Mann, an avid art patron.
The commission was arranged through Ron Moore, a respected art dealer who had long admired Eloul’s work. On installation day, Moore joined Eloul and Mann in the garden. Photographs from that morning capture a moment of collaboration — artist, collector, and dealer working together to position the sculpture just so, ensuring that each line and angle resonated with the landscape.
The project came together through respected art dealer Ron Moore, who connected John with Eloul and oversaw the commission.
A Historical Moment Captured
These previously unseen images show Kosso Eloul, one of Canada’s foremost post-war sculptors, personally overseeing the placement of a custom commission for a private garden.
The photographs capture the collaboration between artist, collector, and dealer — a confluence of vision, expertise, and care that shaped the sculpture’s presence for decades to come.
(left to right) Kosso Eloul and John Mann
Providence and Legacy
Discovering these photos feels like providence — a rare gift connecting us directly to the creative moment when this sculpture was brought to life in its intended environment. They remind us that great art is not just about the finished piece but also about the relationships and moments behind its creation
An Artist at the Peak of His Powers
By the time of this commission, Eloul’s reputation was firmly established.
Known for his minimalist, commanding compositions of two or three balanced forms, his sculptures were conceived to merge organically with their surroundings. His mastery of scale and proportion allowed his works to feel both monumental and intimate, engaging the earth, sky, and viewer in equal measure.
About the Artist
Kosso Eloul (1920–1995)
Kosso Eloul was an Israeli-Canadian sculptor known for his large metal public artworks across North America and Israel. Trained at the Art Institute of Chicago, he created geometric sculptures focused on movement and harmony. He represented Israel at the 1959 Venice Biennale and produced over 40 public sculptures in Toronto. His works are held globally, valued for their architectural style and timeless simplicity.
Map of Kosso Eloul’s public sculptures in Toronto
A Call to Collectors
This is a rare opportunity to connect with history, artistry, and provenance in one exceptional work. The sculpture, equal in calibre to Kosso Eloul’s renowned public art pieces, is now available and invites you to become part of its ongoing story — a story that began with that crisp morning in 1987 and continues to resonate today.
Serious inquiries welcome.
