Sledding by Frederic Marlett Bell-Smith

Provenance:
Private Collection

Though born in London, England, Frederic Marlett Bell–Smith immigrated to Montreal in his twenties before settling in Ontario in 1871. At the time that this work was created, the artist was residing in Hamilton, however he also spent time in Toronto and London. Trained at the South Kensington School of Art and in Paris under Courtois, Dupain and T.A. Harrison, Bell–Smith’s style oscillated between a more conservative inclination and a looser, more vibrant aesthetic. While the artist’s favoured medium was watercolour, he began to work in oil two years before this work was created.

Bell–Smith advocated for a distinctly Canadian style and believed that it would rival the masterworks of Europe. Perhaps taking inspiration from his father, a portrait and miniature artist, Bell–Smith captures one of Canada’s favourite winter pastimes in this playful and diminutive picture. The child and his little red sled take centre stage. Bell–Smith masterfully focuses the viewer’s attention on the central group surveying the hill through the vibrant clothing they wear which contrasts with the muted blues and greys of the slope and vista beyond. As an article of historical documentation, the picture gives insight into the winter fashions of the time. On closer inspection, sledders materialize on the hill behind the group and contribute to the impression of a jovial winter day outing.