Description
We cannot be certain that these paintings are by Maurice Cullen (1866-1934). They are however similar in style to many of the early winter scenes in which Cullen sketched along the St. Lawrence River just below Quebec City. Cullen would often go out sketching, tramping over the unspoiled countryside on snowshoes painting the clear atmosphere and brilliant colours of the snow-covered landscape, using the Impressionist techniques he had learned in Europe. He would then go back and use his sketches to paint larger more finished works on canvas.
Cullen first went to study in Paris in 1888. Older Impressionists, such as Monet and Pissarro, were still active, even though the last Impressionist exhibition had been held in 1895. While there he managed to achieve some recognition with several works exhibited in the Salon, a painting purchased by the French government, and an invitation to join the prestigious Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. For reasons unknown Cullen unexpectedly decided to return to Canada and arrived in Montreal in 1895.
He continued to paint under the influence of the French Impressionists and was greatly admired by his younger contemporaries, especially, The Group of Seven.
