Nocturne Seascape by Henri Fabien

Born in Montreal, he studied at the Council of Arts School under Edmond Dyonnet, who gave him vital direction in his studies (1892). He then attended the AAM (MMFA) School under William Brymner and was awarded a scholarship. In 1898, he exhibited at the RCA annual when Morgan-Powell of the Montreal Star noted, “The work of Mr. Fabien in the present exhibition put him in the front rank of Canadian artists.” He took a further three years’ study in Paris at Ecole des Beaux-Arts under Jean Léon Gérôme, Jean Benjamin-Constant and Jean Paul Laurens (1899-1902).

Following his return to Canada, he entered business. He put aside his painting during that period but exhibited his European work. For about seven years he did not exhibit at the AAM or the RCA. He was known for his paintings of landscape, still life, flower studies and portraits and, in sculpture, portrait busts. Many of the scenes he painted were done in the greater Ottawa area including the Gatineau Hills. He worked as illustrator for La Presse (1903) and then for the Department of Indian Affairs, Ott. (1905).

After 1912, living in Ottawa, he exhibited almost every year with the AAM and the RCA. His work was highly regarded, especially his paintings, which were noted in 1928 by R.F.B. of the Ottawa Journal as follows, “Many of the landscapes depict local scenes and the Gatineau country is particularly favored. Some of these efforts are not lacking in reality and force…. The flowers and fruits painted by this clever craftsman fairly glow with life and rich colour and are in every sense splendidly decorative.”

In 1934, a large showing of his work was held at the Mellors Galleries, Toronto, which included 61 paintings and one sculpture, Bacchante. Following his death, an exhibition of his paintings and sculpture was held in 1937 at the Rideau Street Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. The 40 paintings exhibited were selected from 300 done by him during his career. Fabien died in Ottawa and was survived by his daughter Jaqueline Fabien.

Literature Source:
"A Dictionary of Canadian Artists, Volume 1: A-F, 5th Edition, Revised and Expanded", compiled by Colin S. MacDonald, Canadian Paperbacks Publishing Ltd, Ottawa, 1997