Artworks

The First Snow is a fine composition of a subject matter of an ongoing artistic interest to Berthe Des Clayes, particularly after 1927. Berthe des Clayes was one of three highly talented artists in her family. Originally from Scotland, she studied art in England before going to Paris’ famed Academie Julian. Her first relocation to Montreal from overseas in the period 1912 - 1917 lists her address at 6 Beaver Hall Square, not far from the future location of the space leased for what has become known as the Beaver Hall group of artists. There is perhaps a bit of confusion as to precisely what dates Berthe was back overseas and then returned to Montreal. She does however have addresses listed on Beaver Hall Square again from 1927 through to 1941.

She exhibited annually without interruption at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts at the Art Association of Montreal’s Spring Exhibitions from 1912-1941, where on two occasions, that is in 1916 and again in 1919, she was awarded The Jessie Dow Prize. This was a prestigious award offered at the AAM from 1908 and for 42 years, with the selection made by a jury, sponsored by, as one would assume, a Miss Dow.