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West of Québec City lies a park once used by the governor of New France, Louis d’Ailleboust de Coulonge. The merchant Michael Henry Perceval acquired it at the beginning of the 19th century. He named the area Spencer Wood, in honour of his uncle, Lord Spencer, Prime Minister of Great Britain. This watercolour reproduces the view of Québec City from the park.
1829 - 1831

Touring Québec City with Major-General Cockburn

Like many army personnel, Major-General James Pattison Cockburn trained at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich, England. This institution trained military personnel in advanced artistic techniques so they could depict the places the were deployed to. When he was stationed in Québec City, from 1822 to 1823 and again from 1826 to 1832, Cockburn produced dozens of magnificent works he sketched on the spot. This album invites you to take a tour of Québec City and surrounding areas through a few of the major-general’s works.

Québec City, as seen from Spencer Wood

James Pattison Cockburn West of Québec City lies a park once used by the governor of New France, Louis d’Ailleboust de Coulonge. The merchant Michael Henry Perceval acquired it at the beginning of the 19th century. He named the area Spencer Wood, in honour of his uncle, Lord Spencer, Prime Minister of Great Britain. This watercolour reproduces the view of Québec City from the park.
Chronoscope Logs float on the water at the foot of the cliff. Can you name this industry? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1830