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Cockburn’s watercolour depicts Palace Gate in all its architectural splendour. The perspective plunges into a landscape that seems almost infinite, with a few modest dwellings in its midst. Fully protected by this defensive structure, these houses give a glimpse of a town that is lively... and very well guarded!
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!

View from Palace Gate, Québec City

James Pattison Cockburn Cockburn’s watercolour depicts Palace Gate in all its architectural splendour. The perspective plunges into a landscape that seems almost infinite, with a few modest dwellings in its midst. Fully protected by this defensive structure, these houses give a glimpse of a town that is lively... and very well guarded!
Chronoscope Can you see where in today’s urban landscape this painting was done? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Acc. No. R9266-121 - Peter Winkworth Collection of Canadiana - Date: 1829