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This watercolour by British officer James Peachey takes us back to a bygone era, when Québec’s fortifications were surrounded by fields and pastures. Farmland, farmers and animals fill the foreground. At that time, Québec City residents subsisted largely on agricultural work.
1781 - 1786

Québec City as seen by James Peachey

The 18th century seemed to be brimming with military men skilled with a paintbrush. Among them was James Peachey, a British officer and land surveyor. During his three stays in the new British colony, he produced numerous works that capture Québec City and its surroundings. These works depict a peaceful town, recovering from several years of war. The majority of the town's inhabitants are of historic French origin, and they live side by side with the small British elite which is taking root in the heart of the town. Discover this era by delving into Peachey’s watercolours!

View of the city and the Basin of Québec

James Peachey This watercolour by British officer James Peachey takes us back to a bygone era, when Québec’s fortifications were surrounded by fields and pastures. Farmland, farmers and animals fill the foreground. At that time, Québec City residents subsisted largely on agricultural work.
Chronoscope What other features do you see in this piece? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Acc. No. 1989-217-4 - Date: 1784-10-28