How could such an ephemeral natural phenomenon be captured in 1837, before photography? With watercolour and graphite! The sky watchers in this scene by Augustus F. Bowen express astonishment at the meteorological event, which is quite rare at Québec City’s latitude. Veils of coloured light enveloping the city offers an artistic rendering of the phenomenon.

1822 - 1837

Winter living in Québec City in the early 19th century

Did you know that Québec City is one of the snowiest cities in the world? Its average annual snowfall is about 300 centimetres. Residents of Québec City have developed a way of life adapted to these conditions. In the 19th century, most streets were left covered in snow, and residents moved around by sleigh and snowshoe. Once the river froze over, thus inhibiting sea traffic, the city was cut off. City dwellers then spent a long collective winter in this bucolic setting. Relive these breathtakingly beautiful winters through the artwork of the period.

Aurora borealis in Québec City

Augustus F. Bowen How could such an ephemeral natural phenomenon be captured in 1837, before photography? With watercolour and graphite! The sky watchers in this scene by Augustus F. Bowen express astonishment at the meteorological event, which is quite rare at Québec City’s latitude. Veils of coloured light enveloping the city offers an artistic rendering of the phenomenon.

Chronoscope Do you recognize any of the buildings in the background? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1837

Source: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1837

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