River of Dreams: Impressionism on the St. Lawrence

A curated talk through a great exhibition at one of Canada’s Foremost Galleries, the McMichael Gallery

In the late 19th century, the Impressionist movement found a footing in Canada, and Quebec artists quickly responded with works of rare beauty and sophistication. Many Quebec artists trained in France during this period, carrying  European modernism back with them to Canada.

Landscape and city scenes were staples of their work, and this show has brought together a choice collection of master works  that trace a journey from the bustling streets of Montreal—then Canada’s financial capital—down the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City and through the beautiful Quebec countryside. A wide range of Quebec artists, rarely exhibited in Ontario, will be represented, including William Brymner, Ozias Leduc, James Wilson Morrice, Henrietta Mabel May, Robert Pilot Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Coté, Maurice Cullen and Clarence Gagnon .