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Like James Pattison Cockburn, Sir Michael Seymour was one of the many British servicemen stationed in Québec City with exceptional artistic talent. These 19th-century officers developed a precise tactical and strategic knowledge of Québec City. But that did not stop them from appreciating the landscape and capturing what they saw in paintings in the era’s Romantic style.
1840 - 1890

The river: A flowing source of trade and industry

Thanks to its advantageous position on the St. Lawrence River, Québec City has long been a hub for Canada’s maritime traffic. Its port is particularly significant for the import and export of goods. Québec City’s economy relied heavily on the export of timber, which was abundant all around the city. This wood was used in shipbuilding, for example. Numerous other industries, such as pulp and paper, developed near the river in the late 19th century. Discover this aspect of Québec City’s past through the artwork and photos of the period!

The St. Lawrence River from Québec City’s highest point

Sir Michael Seymour Like James Pattison Cockburn, Sir Michael Seymour was one of the many British servicemen stationed in Québec City with exceptional artistic talent. These 19th-century officers developed a precise tactical and strategic knowledge of Québec City. But that did not stop them from appreciating the landscape and capturing what they saw in paintings in the era’s Romantic style.
Chronoscope Do you know the name of the island in the distance? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1846