Sproule’s portrayal of Saint-Louis Gate is particularly striking, especially because of the walls and townspeople! In fact, a variety of characters from different walks of life are illustrated here. Soldiers, citizens, businessmen and animals share the space around this monument. This engraving shows the second Saint-Louis Gate, whose construction began around 1745.

1829 - 1834

The rampart gates of Québec City in the early 19th century

Building began on Québec City’s fortifications in 1690 under the French Regime. The French sought to surround the town with ramparts to protect it from the British. The British indeed invaded Québec City in 1759. They too recognized the fortifications’ strategic value and subsequently rebuilt them. By the 19th century, Québec City residents were well accustomed to living with this military inheritance. The rampart gates were simply a part of their daily surroundings. Explore the works reflecting this period!

Saint-Louis Gate

Robert Auchmuty Sproule, after Alexander Jamieson Russell Sproule’s portrayal of Saint-Louis Gate is particularly striking, especially because of the walls and townspeople! In fact, a variety of characters from different walks of life are illustrated here. Soldiers, citizens, businessmen and animals share the space around this monument. This engraving shows the second Saint-Louis Gate, whose construction began around 1745.

Chronoscope Can you pinpoint its exact location on the map? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1834

Source: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1834

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