Lucius Richard O'Brien (1832-99)
The King's Bastion, Quebec Signed and dated 1881
Oil on canvas | 91.6 x 61.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 405305
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Queen Victoria commissioned two views of Quebec in Canada, from O'Brien – this one and a view from Point Lévis (RCIN 404834). The commission was conveyed to the artist by the Marquess of Lorne, Governor General of Canada, and his wife Princess Louise (1848–1939), the sixth of Queen Victoria's nine children.
The painting depicts a view down the St Lawrence River, with the Royal Standard flying from the Bastion – possibly an allusion to Princess Louise's visit in 1879. It has been suggested that the painting symbolises peace, order and prosperity, with the workers in the docks, the prosperous middle classes on the new Dufferin Terrace and authority above it all on the heights.
The Mail newspaper reported that the paintings 'faithfully depict the views which they are intended to represent ... that their artistic excellence is high is abundantly established by the cordial compliments bestowed on Mr O'Brien by the highest personage in the realm'.
Signed and dated: L.R. OBrien / 1881.Provenance
Commissioned by Queen Victoria
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
91.6 x 61.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
122.7 x 92.3 x 10.0 cm (frame, external)