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In 1663, the King of France ordered a sovereign council to be formed, giving New France its first formal government. The council met in the Chateau Saint-Louis fortifications. These administrative buildings in the heart of Québec City were destroyed and rebuilt on several occasions. In 1930, painter Charles Huot depicted the council’s first meeting. The painting has since hung in the Quebec parliament building.
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.

First meeting of the sovereign council of New France

Charles Huot In 1663, the King of France ordered a sovereign council to be formed, giving New France its first formal government. The council met in the Chateau Saint-Louis fortifications. These administrative buildings in the heart of Québec City were destroyed and rebuilt on several occasions. In 1930, painter Charles Huot depicted the council’s first meeting. The painting has since hung in the Quebec parliament building.
Chronoscope Can you identify the members of the first sovereign council? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Assemblée nationale du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1930