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Antoine Plamondon
(1804-1895)
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Think that you may own a painting by Antoine Plamondon?
We authenticate, appraise and issue Certificates of
Authenticity (COA) to all paintings by Antoine Plamondon. |
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Virgin and
Child
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Antoine Plamondon was a Canadian painter born in
L’Ancienne-Lorette. Plamondon has been called one of the
greatest figures of 19th century art in
Quebec. |
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Portrait of a
Lady 1826
Adele Fortier 1834
Portrait of a Lady
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He began his career as
an artist working under painter Joseph Légaré in 1819 in
Québec City. Plamondon traveled to Paris in 1826 where
he began to study under Paulin-Guérin. While in Paris,
he was able to study the works of the Old Masters at The
Louvre. In 1830, Plamondon returned to Québec City and
began to establish himself in the art community. He
eventually earned a reputation as a respected
portraitist of the elite and bourgeoisie, and also
copied a number of religious as well as secular
paintings. |
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Julie Papineau and her Daughter 1836
Louis-Joseph Papineau 1836
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During this time, he
also had apprentices such as Théophile Hamel and also
was a drawing instructor at various schools of art.
Plamondon was also heavily involved in politics, and
often used the press as a means of promoting himself and
his style. |
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The Flute Player
The Pigeon Hunt
Portrait of a Man
Portrait of Monseigneur Plessis
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Plamondon was a fervent
polemicist, and was often writing to newspapers
expressing his beliefs in politics, religion and
philosophical matters. Despite his brazen self
promotion, Plamondon was eventually forced to leave his
studio in 1851 due to increasing competition. He moved
to Pointe-aux-Trembles (now Neuville) and surprisingly
became a very successful farmer. |
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Still Life with Apples and Grapes
Still Life with Two Dogs
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Despite the fact that
Plamondon was now a farmer in the country, he still
maintained his status as a painter. He would often use
photographs during this time to complete his still life
and genre scenes. In 1880, he was given the honor of his
lifetime when he was appointed as the founding Vice
President of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. He
retired five years later and died at the age of 91. |
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Portrait of a Nun
Marguerite Bourgeoys 1895
Sister St. Alphonse
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Plamondon is
particularly remembered today for his fine portraits,
which included depictions of nuns as well as of wealthy
aristocrats. His portrait “Sister St. Alphonse” is an
exceptional example of the neo-classical style that
Plamondon used, and included religious elements such as
a triangular composition. The book that the sister is
holding is also a signal of her religious devotion, and
the use of light and modeling of the subject was also a
sign of her otherworldly affiliations. The same
triangular composition, lighting and religious
iconography can be seen in his painting “Saint Francis
Xavier Preaching in India.” |
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Saint Francis Xavier Preaching in India
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Today his work is housed
in public and private collections worldwide, and perhaps
in your own home. Still wondering about a 19th
century Canadian portrait in your family estate? Contact
us…it could be by Antoine Plamondon. |
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