This self-portrait of Zacharie Vincent shows him in the company of his son, Cyprien. Vincent was a Huron-Wendat painter and leader of Jeune-Lorette, also known as Wendake. Nephew of Nicolas Vincent, second Grand Chief, Vincent left his mark on his nation’s history as Band Chief from 1852 to 1879. A master of self-portraiture, he often depicted himself in traditional dress.

1840 - 1878

Indigenous presence in the second half of the 19th century

In the late 19th century, Indigenous people continued to influence daily life in and around Québec City. The Huron-Wendats lived mainly just north of Québec City in Wendake, known at the time as the “Huron Village.” They fished and hunted in the surrounding lakes and rivers. Members of the Maliseet and Abenaki nations came seasonally to Lévy Point, south of Québec City. The Indigenous presence in the region is reflected in many paintings of this era, including some by the renowned Huron-Wendat artist Zacharie Vincent.

Self-portrait of Zacharie Vincent and his son, Cyprien

Zacharie Vincent This self-portrait of Zacharie Vincent shows him in the company of his son, Cyprien. Vincent was a Huron-Wendat painter and leader of Jeune-Lorette, also known as Wendake. Nephew of Nicolas Vincent, second Grand Chief, Vincent left his mark on his nation’s history as Band Chief from 1852 to 1879. A master of self-portraiture, he often depicted himself in traditional dress.

Chronoscope Can you identify the aspects of traditional dress in this image? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1852

Source: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1852

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