Sigvaldason Fine Art Inc.
Gimli, Manitoba
“Where Quality, Creativity & History Meet” Sigvaldason Fine Art specializes in the exhibition and sale of Canadian Historical, Post-War and Contemporary art.
MessageCollection: Clarence Gagnon (1881-1942)
Clarence Alphonse Gagnon (1881–1942) was a French Canadian painter, draughtsman, engraver, and illustrator, renowned for his landscapes of Quebec’s Laurentians and Charlevoix regions. Born in Montreal, he studied under William Brymner and later at the Académie Julian in Paris. Influenced by artists like Eugène Boudin and James W. Morrice, Gagnon developed a distinctive style marked by a light color palette and emphasis on the effects of light.
Gagnon achieved early recognition with a bronze medal at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. His 1913 solo exhibition in Paris marked a key turning point, showcasing his interpretation of Canadian winter and habitant life. After returning to Canada, he frequently painted the Baie-Saint-Paul area, collaborating with other notable artists such as A.Y. Jackson. Gagnon also worked as an illustrator, notably for Maria Chapdelaine.
Gagnon’s works are in prominent collections across Canada and internationally, including the National Gallery of Canada and the Victoria and Albert Museum. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and received the Trevor Prize in 1923. Gagnon passed away in 1942, leaving behind a significant legacy in Canadian art.