This illustration by Cockburn presents many of the architectural details of the hospital complex. The site, where traces of prehistoric Indigenous presence have been found, was protected by a daunting fortified wall. In this 1830 depiction, it looks more like a palisade. Several other intriguing buildings of this hospital and monastery complex are also featured in the piece.

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.

The Hôpital Général de Québec seen from the frozen Saint-Charles River

James Pattison Cockburn This illustration by Cockburn presents many of the architectural details of the hospital complex. The site, where traces of prehistoric Indigenous presence have been found, was protected by a daunting fortified wall. In this 1830 depiction, it looks more like a palisade. Several other intriguing buildings of this hospital and monastery complex are also featured in the piece.

Chronoscope Can you recognize any of them? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1830

Source: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1830

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