Many of you have, I’m sure, had the opportunity to visit the relatively low-key but extensive “Artists, Architects and Artisans: Canadian Art 1890–1918” exhibition at the National Gallery. If not, there’s still time – the exhibition is on until 17 February.
No blockbuster exhibits here and that’s partly why I like it. The breadth of work is great and all set in a particular historical context, an important time in Canada’s development. I particularly like the paintings by the Quebec painter Ozias Leduc (1864 – 1955). Leduc was never really part of any school of painting and he made much of his living on church commissions, living a quiet life in St Hillaire, Quebec. He left us some wonderful unassuming paintings that are not to be missed. One of those is “L’enfant au pain”, featured on banner on the right above. As may often be the case with great works, it’s small but blows up superbly to banner size. (On the left, by the way, is a painting by George Reid. In the exhibition you can check out his furniture too!)
I love that painting of Leduc’s, too. It’s beautifully rendered, quiet and unassuming yet says so much about the life then. I can almost hear that boy playing the harmonica… thanks for sharing and letting us know about the exhibition.
Great to hear from you Michelle, The exhibition shows a couple of his wonderful portraits. His work was quite diverse..his landscapes are superb too. David