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Do you recognize the stairway in the background of this piece by the British artist Cockburn? Yes, it is the Breakneck Stairs in the heart of Old Québec! This 1830 engraving shows the bustling commercial sector at the foot of the staircase, known as the Petit-Champlain. In the midst of this activity is the city’s iconic staircase, which dates back to around 1670.
1830 - 1832

A stroll through the streets of Québec City in the early 19th century

Imagine walking through the streets of Québec City at the turn of the19th century... That is exactly the perspective you will have as you discover the artwork in this album of scenes of the era’s city life! Most of the pieces were created by British servicemen trained at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich, England, where certain members of the British army learned advanced artistic techniques. Servicemen skilled in art could then put down on paper images of the places where the British army was operating. Rediscover Québec City through their eyes!

The Champlain Street steps in 1830, Québec City

After James Pattison Cockburn Do you recognize the stairway in the background of this piece by the British artist Cockburn? Yes, it is the Breakneck Stairs in the heart of Old Québec! This 1830 engraving shows the bustling commercial sector at the foot of the staircase, known as the Petit-Champlain. In the midst of this activity is the city’s iconic staircase, which dates back to around 1670.
Chronoscope What other details catch your eye? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Acc. No. 1970-188-307 - W. H. Coverdale Collection of Canadiana - Date: 1918