Library talk spotlights influential artist Morrice

Larsen, the editor of the Westmount Examiner, whose book on Morrice, Painter of Light and Shadow (Dundurn Press), was published across Canada last year, discussed Morrice's life and art accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation of some of the painter’s most significant works.

Morrice was born in Montreal in 1865, moved to Paris to study art. There, his talent blossomed. “Morrice was one of Canada’s first artists to paint in the Impressionist style and become fairly successful at it,” said Larsen. “He was a true bohemian; he lived in Paris and circulated among the men of arts and letters of his day. Back here, he was a hero.”

Morrice’s influence on Canadian painting can be seen in his working method, Larsen observed, noting that Morrice frequently made sketches of an interesting scene on the spot, painting on a small panel. “This was a technique that was taken up later by the Group of Seven and the Beaver Hall Group,” said Larsen.

Larsen also spoke on the artist’s often-tumultuous personal life. “He was quite the man about town ... he frequented a restaurant called the Chat Blanc. Somerset Maughm, Arnold Bennett, even the infamous Aleister Crowley were there on occasion.” Morrice also met artists such as Monet, Matisse, and Picasso. “As it turns out, Morrice was the link between all of these great artists who were in Paris at the time,” said Larsen.

Following a period during World War One when he was commissioned by Lord Beaverbrook to paint Canadian soldiers in battle, Morrice's health declined due to decades of alcoholism and an unhealthy lifestyle. He died in Tunisia in 1924, but his influence lived on in later painters. “Through his famous images, J.W. Morrice remains a major figure in Canadian art,” said Larsen. “Morrice is considered a hero who inspired the generation that broke everything open.”

A question-and-answer period followed, during which Larsen spoke about his research into Morrice, and the difficulty of finding new primary sources for the painter’s life.

Following the discussion, Larsen was presented with a cloth Library bag by Outreach Librarian Donna Lach.

The lecture was the first of the Library’s Cultural Lecture series. On Wednesday, April 29, at 7 p.m., Dr. Harry Rosen will give a presentation entitled 'From Earth Art to Monumental Stone Sculptures by Blending Art and Science'. On May 27, Pamela Grimauld will speak on 'Fashion in the 40s'. Finally, on June 17, Susan Pinker will speak on 'The Sexual Paradox'. For more information on these events, or to reserve a seat, call 514-989-5300.