Name/Title
John A. MacdonaldEntry/Object ID
2022.03.01Description
Print
This colourful work is a tribute to Sir John A. Macdonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada (serving 1867 -1873 and 1878 -1891). He was the dominant figure of Canadian Confederation, and his political career spanned almost half a century. Without doubt, one of the most influential and important Canadians in history who achieved many successes, Macdonald was not without flaws, and in more recent years, his legacy, particularly in relation to Indigenous policies and his approach to Chinese immigration, is being re-examined.Artwork Details
Medium
Chromolithograph on paperSubject Place
Region
NortheastContinent
North AmericaContext
This print has a compound design that reflects illustration of the later 19th and earlier 20th centuries. It is layered with a richness of images, shapes, colours and textures, replicating in part, commercial promotional publications of the day that documented and celebrated people, places and events. Included are a number of references and symbols to Canada and unity.
There are six frames in a quasi triptych (presented in foldable 3D with wood hinges and clasps) within a larger frame with images of several people: Macdonald's second wife Lady Agnes (1836-1920)? with a letter and envelope; a fellow Father of Confederation politician, Sir George-Étienne Cartier (1814-1873)?; an image of Parliament Hill with a train representing Macdonald's Confederation achievement in 1867 and the completion of the transcontinental railway; plus three images of Macdonald himself. A Macdonald tartan banner (overlaid with a crest and a maple leaf) at the bottom reflects Macdonald's association with one of the most powerful clans and Macdonald's birthplace of Scotland. The inscription "LET US BE ENGLISH OR LET US BE FRENCH BUT LET US ALWAYS BE LOYAL, AND ABOVE ALL LET US BE CANADIAN." is a quote of Macdonald's. Underneath is a silhouette band of landscapes and cities, likely intended to represent Canada and its national motto, "From sea to sea" from the Latin phrase "A mari usque ad mare". Of note, an expanded informal version of the motto ("From sea to sea to sea") is sometimes now used to reflect Canada's territory with its coastlines on the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Luther Pokrant, RCARole
Print MakerDate made
1979Time Period
20th CenturyNotes
ARTIST STATEMENT
“Geographically, I relate strongly to my roots in the Red River Valley. I see it as a central division of Canada, separating the prairie, foothills and mountains of Western Canada from the jack pine and granite of Northern Ontario (Group of Seven country). The natural beauty of forest and lake are an inspiration to me. I like canoeing and fishing. Technically, I admire versatility and tend toward illustration. Collage and composite ideas appeal to me. My work follows a natural evolution which defines its style. Art for me is a lifelong process and a magical journey that holds endless fascination.”
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Born in Rosenfeld, Manitoba, Luther Pokrant has worked as a professional artist for more than thirty years. He graduated with a BFA from the University of Manitoba in 1969, and he received his MA from New Mexico State University in 1970. He later served as a lecturer at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan for four years.
An avid outdoorsman, Pokrant's work is often inspired by the natural beauty of wilderness places. Water lily compositions are his favorite painting subjects. His illustration work is usually thematic or historical, often of other artists or their work, or the creative process itself.
Pokrant has exhibited extensively across Canada in both solo and group shows, and his work is held in many private and public collections, as well as in corporate collections such as Shell Canada, British Petroleum, Coca Cola and the Bronfman Claridge Collection. He is a member of the Manitoba Society of Artists and the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.Edition
Edition
UnknownEdition Size
695Edition Number
258Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
Inscription, Signature, Edition, DateLocation
In margin:
Lower left in pencil: John A. MacDonald [should be Macdonald]
Lower centre in pencil: 258/695
Lower right in pencil: L. Pokrant
In print:
Lower left: Clan crest?
Lower centre:
JOHN A. MACDONALD
LET US BE ENGLISH OR LET US BE FRENCH, BUT LET US ALWAYS BE LOYAL
AND ABOVE ALL LET US BE CANADIAN.
Lower right: Maple leafDimensions
Dimension Description
Visible imageHeight
53.3 cmWidth
76.2 cmAcquisition
Acquisition Method
GiftDate
Mar 2022Notes
Donated by Dr. Harold and Ms. Linda Kalman, UCBC MembersRelationships
Related Entries
Notes
2018.08.27 Portrait of Sir John A. Macdonald, first Prime Minister of Canada
2021.03.01 The Fathers of Confederation
2011.03.01 John A. MacdonaldCopyright
Notes
Images are provided for research and reference use only. Permission to publish, copy, or otherwise use these images must be obtained from the copyright holder. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to determine the copyright holder and to obtain permission(s) as needed.
