John Graves Simcoe
Title: John Graves Simcoe Statue
Artist(s): Walter Seymour Allward
Date: 1903
Latitude: 43.66
Longitude: -79.39
ANALYSIS: At first glance this piece of artwork is an eye catching and demanding statue. It visually demands attention as the piece itself is made to showcase power and authority installed in the figure. Unlike some other statues around campus that are seen to be sitting on a bench or lower down, this piece is up on a high pedestal with the figure puffing his chest out and holding a cane. He looks relaxed because he is simply standing, yet still powerful. It’s as if the statue is trying to convey that Simcoe was a noticeably powerful man without even trying. Even if an observer did not know who this figure was, they would still be able to agree that he must have been important, for the obvious reason that he is a statue, and because of the way he is presented. This is a very detailed and large statue that conveys power and authority. Additionally, the way the statue is dressed seems to allude to Simcoe’s status as both a high ranking military officer and the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada. He is dressed in a decorative military jacket equipped with epaulets on either shoulder alluding to his time in the military. He also appears to be holding a cap and jacket underneath his arms, which seems to be part of his overall military outfit. Overall, the statue rightfully depicts Simcoe as a powerful and important figure, whose deeds greatly contributed to Canadian history and whose impact can still be felt today.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION:
John Graves Simcoe, the man that became the founder of York and the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, was born on February 25, 1752, in Cotterstock, England and died October 26, 1806 at the age of 54. Before his political career, John Graves chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and became a member of the military. During his time in the military, Simcoe led several raids against American rebels who were attempting to create anarchy and earned recognition amongst his peers for his superb leadership. John Graves Simcoe is greatly known for being appointed the First Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada in 1771. At the time of being appointed, Simcoe was a Member of Parliament in England and was forced to leave England in order to come to Canada so that he could serve in his new position. He held the role of Lieutenant-Governor for almost five years and left office in 1796. During his time as Lieutenant-Governor, with the help of fellow members of the Legislative Council and Assembly, he was able to pass the Act against Slavery in 1793. By 1833, slavery was completely abolished in all of Canada. Although he only spent four and a half years in Upper Canada, John Graves Simcoe had perhaps the greatest influence on the laws, society and governance of the emerging province.
