Lot 33
Attributed to Théophile Hamel (1817 - 1870)
Additional Images
Provenance:
Collection of Marcel Hamel, as Attributed to Th.. Hamel;
Galerie Jean-Pierre Valentin, Montreal;
Estate of Jean-Pierre Valentin, Montreal
Literature:
Raymond Vézina, 'Catalogue Des Oeuvres De Théophile Hamel', Cat. No. 192 as "Attributed to Th. Hamel", p.
Note:
In his catalogue, Vézina states that the liveliness of the face makes one think more of Plamondon than of Théophile Hamel. In 1834, at 16 years of age, Hamel apprenticed to the famed Quebec portraitist, Antoine Plamondon. He trained intensely for 6 years under the master painter in the European-style of painting and portraiture. After leaving Plamondon’s workshop, Hamel travelled to Europe in 1843 to 1846, staying in Rome, Venice, London and Paris.
Upon his return to Canada, Hamel received many commissions for portraits and religious compositions from the bourgeoisie and government officials. In 1853, he was appointed the official painter of the government of Canada tasked with creating portraits of all high-ranking government officials from both Upper and Lower Canada