This painting by William Smith Sewell provides the observer with a view of Sainte-Ursule Street, in the heart of Québec City. Although several civilians are on the street, the eye is drawn to the many British soldiers. They watched over the five gates that controlled traffic between the city centre and outer districts. Given its strategic importance in the 19th century, Québec City was constantly patrolled by military in the mid-19th century.

1840 - 1873

Changing of the guard in Québec City

After the American revolutionaries’ 1775 attack on Québec City, the British authorities reinforced their military presence in the city. Considered to be a strategic site to defend, Québec City was home to large British garrisons. For decades, the daily lives of the city’s residents were marked by this heavy military presence. Things changed, however, with the signing of the Treaty of Washington on May 8, 1871, which settled several disputes between Britain and the United States. An era of peaceful political relations began, and most of the British garrisons left Québec City with a grand ceremony. Relive the events through the period’s artworks!

View of Sainte-Ursule Street, Québec City

Edmund Willoughby Sewell This painting by William Smith Sewell provides the observer with a view of Sainte-Ursule Street, in the heart of Québec City. Although several civilians are on the street, the eye is drawn to the many British soldiers. They watched over the five gates that controlled traffic between the city centre and outer districts. Given its strategic importance in the 19th century, Québec City was constantly patrolled by military in the mid-19th century.

Chronoscope What details can you identify in this piece? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1842

Source: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1842

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