Watson Galleries, Montreal
Colonel and Mrs. G.M. Strong, Montreal, 15 February 1949
By descent to the present Private Collection, Toronto
Literature
A.K. Prakash, "Impressionism in Canada: A Journey of Rediscovery", Stuttgart, 2015, page 321
Having met during their respective studies in Paris, Canadian artists Maurice Cullen and James Wilson Morrice formed a close and collaborative friendship. Cullen had developed his skills painting in an Impressionist style, and was determined to introduce the new artistic idiom to a Canadian audience. When Morrice visited Canada in the 1890s, the two embarked on painting expeditions, travelling north to Quebec City and on to Beaupré. Cullen would repeat sketching trips up and down the St. Lawrence for years to come, gaining a deep familiarity with the scenic vistas of the Laurentians. Author A.K. Prakash observed, “He continually watched the ice and snow on the Laurentian rivers, noting the atmospheric effects at every hour of the day, during all weathers and in every changing season... They have an atmosphere of dreams and secret places that few other artists have been able to attain.”
"River in Winter" aptly demonstrates Cullen’s expert skill at capturing the subtle light and atmosphere of a crisp Quebec winter day. The painting is luminous, with sunlight falling in patterns on the hills, trees, snow and river. Cullen taught private painting classes to artists such as A.Y. Jackson and Kathleen Moir Morris. Frequently, he brought his students with him on sketching trips. Cullen’s artistic influence proved crucial for a younger generation of Canadian artists.
We extend our thanks to Eric Klinkhoff for his assistance in the research, titling and dating of this artwork. He is the owner of the Cullen Inventory, which he has been compiling for over 50 years.
