George Robert Bruenech (France/Canada, 1851-1916) ARCA, OSA
Untitled: ‘Two Figures in a Canoe’
watercolour on paper laid on card
signed lower right
(sight) 9 ⅜” high x 15 ¼” wide
(framed) 15 ½” high x 21 ¼” wide
Notes: Two colourful figures traverse what appears to be a birch bark canoe through still waters. The landscape is full of colourful autumn trees, crystal clear reflections, lush woodland, and blue skies. The figure in blue has long dark hair and appears to be wearing a blue dress and the other figure has a red top and black hat. Bruenech spent much time with Princess Louise after his artworks attracted her attentions, this figure is almost certainly a woman and possibly the Princess herself. The Princess first came to Canada on a fishing excursion with her chosen husband John Sutherland Campbell, the Marquis of Lorne, in 1879 about the time this painting was executed. There were, of course, many other women in Canada during the late 1870s.
Bruenech has been described as an “artist of the old school” a recorder of the world armed with a sketch pad and paints of the type made prior to the ubiquitous photographic snap-shot. Often overshadowed by photography, impressionism, the Canadian School and the advent of abstraction, Bruenech’s sketches offer an invaluable record of what still exists if we stop to preserve and enjoy its company.
Condition: Excellent
For Accuracy: an Antique it may show expected light signs of age and use related wear. There is light even toning to the paper; the colours remain strong and it displays well.
Biography: BRUENECH, George Robert (1851 St. Malo, France – 1916 Toronto) Painter. Son of British Consul in St. Malo. Studied painting in France under Signor Murchiana and Paul Rossert, and at Academie Colarossi Academy in Paris. Emigrated to Canada c. 1872; entered Canadian civil service. Painter in from at least 1883 and listed as portrait painter 1885. Bruenech’s work attracted much attention from the Princess Louise when she was in Canada. It also received favorable recognition from the royal families of Sweden and Norway, his picture of the “Midnight Sun in Norway,” hanging in the Royal Palace at Stockholm. Made various trips painted in Norway, England, Channel Islands, Amsterdam, New England and Quebec Province. Exhibited little in later life. Described as “artist of the old school,” Chiefly landscape painter in w/c but occasionally in oil. Portrait painter in later life. Elected ARCA 1891; OSA 1889. Exbn.: AAM 1883-1908; Antwerp; Coonial; CNE 1904; OSA 1882-98; RCA 1882-1907; TIE 1891-1902 Benezit; Huighes; MMFA, Watts Mss.; Morgan, H. J. 1912; Robson 1932; Saturday Night 19 Aug. 1916 (obit.); TD 1884; Toronto Globe 22 July 1916 (obit.) (Source: Harper; Art News)
