John Wentworth Russell (Canadian 1879-1959)
Montreuil
oil on cradled panel, signed, dated and inscribed lower right "John Russell, Montreuil, 1923",
Montreuil-sur-mer is a town in Northern France, the church in this painting is the Church Saint-Saulve which dates in part to the 12th century.
Russell studied at the Hamilton Art School and then the Art Students League in New York where he spent six years under the influence of American Impressionist artists. Moving to Paris in 1905 to study and work, he travelled between France and Canada frequently completing commissions. He exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1906, 1907, 1909 and 1910, as well as with the Royal Canadian Academy from 1905 to 1919.
A strong individualist, John Wentworth Russell was known as a maverick in the early 20th century Canadian art scene. He formed a unique soft Impressionistic style during his years studying in New York, which remained throughout his career. Shunning the subject matter of the natural Canadian landscape which consumed most of the Canadian artists of his time, his subject matter included city scenes, intimate interiors, portraits and nudes, the latter he was often embroiled in controversy for exhibiting. Known to be outspoken, he avoided organized art societies, working in isolation for most of his career. Ignored by critics, he was passed over by most curators. Today his paintings can be found in collections across Canada.
Size: 15 ½ x 18 ½ in ( with frame 20 ⅜ x 23 ½ in)
J18942
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