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In 1629, brothers David and Thomas Kirke forcibly took possession of Québec City for England. Founder of Québec City Samuel de Champlain was taken prisoner. He was then sent to Europe, as shown by this drawing by artist Charles William Jefferys. There, he succeeded in negotiating Québec City’s return to France, a change that came about in 1632.
1617 - 1690

Artists paint New France

New France has long inspired artists to put down on canvas or paper the period’s historic events. Through their work, they bring to life a daily existence now bygone. As the French colony’s capital, Québec City has been an important part of these artistic legacies. This album invites you to discover many such works, created by artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Champlain leaving Québec City as a prisoner

Charles William Jefferys In 1629, brothers David and Thomas Kirke forcibly took possession of Québec City for England. Founder of Québec City Samuel de Champlain was taken prisoner. He was then sent to Europe, as shown by this drawing by artist Charles William Jefferys. There, he succeeded in negotiating Québec City’s return to France, a change that came about in 1632.
Chronoscope What does this piece evoke for you? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: C.W. Jefferys Online Catalogue Image courtesy of © C.W. Jefferys Online Catalogue - All rights reserved - No reproduction without permission - Date: 1942