incised signature, date (1912) and inscription (”Copyrighted - Canada 1914” and “USA”) on the base; stamped “Roman Bronze Works N.Y.” on the reverse side of the base
William Patrick O’Brien, Montreal
Archibald Frederick Bentley, Montreal
By descent to the present Private Collection, Ontario
Literature
Pierre L'Allier, Suzor-Coté, L'oeuvre sculpté, Musée du Québec, Quebec City, 1991, pages 48-49
The faithful companion to “Le vieux pionnier canadien”, Pierre L'Allier describes “La compagne du vieux pionnier” as more discrete through her depiction than that of her partner, whose strong personality is imposed by the sculptor. Unlike her husband, “La compagne's” world is defined within the home, Suzor-Coté including clear detail in the quilted texture of the sitter's skirt (suggesting homespun clothing) and the grained design of the floor beneath her chair. Even at her advanced age, she continues to knit, Suzor-Coté showing his preoccupation with the gestures of “La compagne”, paying special attention to his representation of the hands of the old woman, which show clear signs of strength and arthritic wear.
L'Allier notes that “Le vieux pionnier canadien” and “La compagne du vieux pionnier” form a pair of inseparable figures, completing a cycle of existence, the husband and wife symbolizing the tenacity and perseverance of rural life.
Originally owned by W.P. O’Brien of Outremont, Quebec, a partner in the Montréal firm of stockbrokers, O’Brien & Williams, Suzor-Coté’s “Le vieux pionnier canadien” (Lot 7) and “La compagne du vieux pionnier” were likely purchased soon after their casting. Archibald Frederick Bentley worked for the firm and, when visiting the home of W.P. O’Brien, would sit and wait in the living room, the pair of bronzes on prominent display on the mantel of the fireplace. Upon the passing of O’Brien, Bentley acquired the pair of sculptures from the estate, the pair remaining in the family until this offering.
