Old Montréal’s full of art. Quite apart from the works on display inside the plethora of art galleries along Rue Saint- Paul and elsewhere, the streets of our old quarter boast some fine examples. This is the first of a series of articles featuring sculpture which can be easily viewed both outside and inside buildings. I have chosen to start with four relatively recent pieces which happen to rate among my favourites. That’s maybe because it’s easy to relate to them (see photos). They are also frequently the subject of images which our visitors take to remind them of their stay here.
TO COMMEMORATE A SAINT
Jules Lasalle, Hommage à Marguerite Bourgeois, 1987, bronze
On Rue Notre-Dame immediately east of the Palais de Justice, a bronze ensemble commemorates Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700), founder of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame de Montréal, one of the first uncloistered religious communities of women in the Roman Catholic Church. Arriving in Ville-Marie in 1653, she opened a school in an abandoned stable in 1658 and began her work of educating children and women in New France. Canonised by Pope John Paul II in 1982, she was the first female Canadian saint.
Jules Lasalle’s bronze monument was commissioned at that time. It shows a very compassionate life-size representation of Marguerite Bourgeoys extending her arms towards two children who also compose the ensemble. Together, they seem to dance joyfully through the water at their feet (snow at this time of year). This lovely sculpture happens to be placed in front of a day care centre so that, on fine weekdays, colourfully dressed children are often seen playing behind it.
Annick Bourgeau, Monument à Jean Drapeau, 2001, bronze
TO HONOUR A POLITICIAN
Standing calmly in Place de la Dauversière opposite City Hall is a monument to Jean Drapeau (1916-1999), lawyer, politician, and mayor of Montréal 1954 to 1957 and 1960 to 1986 - a record 29 years. Flamboyant and often controversial, Drapeau oversaw many pivotal events in Montréal including the inauguration of Place des Arts, Expo 67, the 1976 Olympic Games and the construction of the metro. The larger than life figure of the former mayor strikes a welcoming pose as he greets visitors to “his” Hôtel de Ville across the street. Annick Bourgeau carefully studied photographs of Mr. Drapeau and she has succeeded in capturing him in a very characteristic pose with his hands gesturing. Those hands frequently clutch flowers - even beer bottles - placed there by some of the many passers-by who seem unable to resist photographing him. On January 1st, 2009, someone placed a champagne bottle between those hands!
BETWEEN OURSELVES
Andrew Dutkewych, Entre Nous, 1992, bronze and stone
In front of the Archeology Museum on Pointe-à-Callière, where once the St. Pierre River ran into the St. Lawrence, an ensemble composed of three different elements can be seen. A sculpted column which somewhat resembles a chess piece dominates the group. At its feet is an urn on its side and next to it, there is a stone bench.
To commemorate the importance of this site where Ville-Marie was founded in 1642, Andrew Dutkewych has given us a contemporary interpretation. The triangular disposition of the pieces echoes the shape of Pointe-à-Callière itself and the modern museum which now stands there. The column is supported by blocks of Montreal limestone of which so much of the older part of the city is composed. The urn is a representation of the type of object found in archeological excavations such as those commemorated in the museum. It could also suggest the transmission of culture. The bench enables us to sit and reflect on the importance of the site. This ensemble is much appreciated by tourists - especially the bench! And the hordes of school children visiting the museum frequently sit on the urn too - the small ones even sit inside the urn!
Rose-Aimée Bélanger, Les Chuchoteuses,
2006, bronze
SHEER DELIGHT
Just west of Saint-Laurent on the north side of Rue Saint-Paul is a tiny space which goes by the name of Placette Saint- Dizier. There, three well-rounded females sit on a bench and chatter, seemingly oblivious to the street and the passing traffic. This delightful and much photographed sculpture is the work of Rose- Aimée Bélanger, who was born in Québec in 1923 but now lives in northern Ontario. Represented by the Galerie Saint-Dizier across the street, the artist is known for her female figures which she generally presents in a narrative way. Although they are fairly massive pieces of bronze, they give an impression of lightness and sensuality. And indeed, few people can resist photographing themselves joining with the “Gossipers”, holding their hands and opening their mouths in joyful imitation.
Photos : Fiona Malins
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