BlogOctober 3, 2019
A View of Hochelaga by Marc-Aurèle Fortin
Marc-Aurèle Fortin was one of the limited number of Canadian artists who could “think” as well in the medium of watercolour as he could painting in oils. Others who had a similar ability would include David Milne, Franklin Carmichael and Molly Lamb Bobak. He was a strong colourist and despite proportions that defy logic his artistry triumphs.
Marc-Aurèle Fortin, A.R.C.A.,1888-1970
Paysage à Hochelaga, 1946
mixed media
9 1/2 x 12 in (24.1 x 30.5 cm)
Provenance:
Private Collection, Montreal;
Galerie Walter Klinkhoff Inc., Montreal, as Paysage Hochelaga;
Acquired from the above by the present owner, June 2000.
These Hochelaga studies show a city developing from rapid growth, the migration to Montreal’s east end by people and families from the countryside to take up employment in the factories being built in the area. In this composition, for instance, one sees a juxtaposition of a hay cart and farmland, and immediately south toward the river, factories and tenement housing.
