Samuel de Champlain
Title: Architectural sculpture of Samuel de Champlain
Artist: Jacobine Jones
Date: 1951
Material: Stone
Location: 14 Queen's Park Crescent W
Latitude: 43.661956 Longitude: -79.392892
VISUAL ANALYSIS:
Champlain’s statue, created by Jacobine Jones in 1951, differs from others around campus, which are seen to be sitting on a bench or are generally positioned on the ground. The statue is mounted on the wall of the Canadiana Building and is standing upright, portraying him in a position of power and authority. His face portrays a stern expression. His clothing, particularly his long boots and his coat, suggest that he is dressed as a pioneer. In his right hand he appears to be holding a rough sketch of the Canadiana Building, which might symbolize his role as a cartographer because he would map out his explorations. His left hand is pointing towards the province of Québec, which symbolizes his role in the founding of Quebec City.
From 1951-1977, the Canadiana building was used as the Archives of Ontario, which preserves documents including legislation. As the founder Quebec City and being responsible for its administration for many years befits his representation on the original Ontario Archives building, as he aided in the creation of early legislation in Canada.The other statues that are depicted alongside him are Simcoe, Wolfe, and Brock, all of whom have the similar characteristic of being prominent and exemplary leaders.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION:
Samuel de Champlain, often referred to as the “Father of New France,” was born in Brouage, France in 1567. He was a cartographer, explorer and colonial founder. His explorations took him along the Great Lakes, Atlantic Coastline, and the Canadian interior. He is known for mapping many of his explorations. Champlain was also instrumental in the founding of colonies in Acadia, Quebec and Trois-Rivieres. His settlement along the St. Lawrence River, which he referred to as New France, was the first settlement in Canada. He was also responsible for the administration of Quebec for many years. During his time in Quebec, he set up a vital trade network that involved the Montagnais of the St. Lawrence River, various nations along the Ottawa river, and the Hurons of the Great Lakes. Over the course of his life, Champlain published four books and many maps of North America. He died in 1635 and was buried at the Champlain Chapel, now known as Notre Dame, in Quebec. His settlement of French speaking peoples in New France has had a lasting impact on Canada’s identity, as the French speaking community within Canada and institutional bilingualism are a product of this early settlement.
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