A True Taste; Montreal Collectors (1880-1910)

The economic development of Canada in the 19th century led to the emergence of great fortunes; wealthy Montréal industrialists acquired works of art, which demonstrated true style; William Van Horne (1843-1915) bought directly from the best French dealers such as Durand-Ruel or Bern- heim-Jeune. Charles Hosmer (1851-1927), for his part, was interested in both ancient and modern painting; his collection, rich in four Canalettos, also included magnificent Romantic works (Constable, Turner, Delacroix), as well as Impressionist works such as Monet, Sisley, Degas, Cézanne, and Mary Cassatt. These collections also bear witness to a real commitment to society; George Drummond (1829-1910), whose collection is of international standing, was president of the Montréal Art Association, the forerunner of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which owes him so much.