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This etching by artist James Tingle illustrates the central role Prescott Gate played in movement between the Upper Town and Lower Town. Built in 1797, it was eventually demolished to improve automobile traffic between the two sectors. Carriages and buildings of French influence draw the eye to the uniqueness of this urban area.
1806 - 1840

Buildings as power symbols

In Québec City, like in all the world’s capitals, religious and political authorities used buildings to symbolize their power. There is, however, a distinctive feature of Québec City that makes it architecturally unique. Over the course of the city’s history, French and British influences have commingled, forming an ensemble of buildings unlike anywhere else. This album presents buildings—some French, some English—that played a part in the city’s history in the early 19th century. Admire these buildings through the works of the era’s great artists.

Prescott Gate, Québec City

James Tingle, after William Henry Bartlett This etching by artist James Tingle illustrates the central role Prescott Gate played in movement between the Upper Town and Lower Town. Built in 1797, it was eventually demolished to improve automobile traffic between the two sectors. Carriages and buildings of French influence draw the eye to the uniqueness of this urban area.
Chronoscope Can you find its exact location on the map? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1840