Le vieux pionnier canadien

Purchased at W. Scott & Sons, 1918. By descent to the current Private Collection, Ontario.

Pierre L'Allier, “Suzor-Coté, L'oeuvre sculpté”, Musée du Québec, 1991, pages 46-47.

Discussing Suzor-Coté's development of the habitant figure through his work, L'Allier notes that the artist created several charcoal drawings and works in pastel of Father Edras Cyr, having completed a bust of the sitter in 1911. The theme of the pioneer sitting in a rocking chair smoking his pipe appears to have already germinated in Suzor-Coté's mind, L'Allier referencing an undated pastel in the Musée du Québec's collection, possibly acting as the preparatory study for the bronze. Suzor-Coté presents “Le vieux pionnier canadien” as a dreamer, pondering his life, the rifle and varied tools represented on either side of the base testifying to his activities. Although he leans slightly back in his chair, Suzor-Coté depicts the figure in a comfortable position, capturing the essence of his subject for eternity, the heritage of his people present in the features and attitude of his model. The mastery of Suzor-Coté is clearly evident through the stability and detail of “Le vieux pionnier canadien.” This lot includes a photocopy of the original W. Scott & Sons invoice, the bronze purchased in 1918 and remaining in the purchaser's family until this offering.