Week 5 Wall
Given what you’ve learned this week about the politics of representation, what ideological purposes does the image below fulfill?
Mort du Montcalm, Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Coté, 1902
Given what you’ve learned this week about the politics of representation, what ideological purposes does the image below fulfill?
Mort du Montcalm, Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Coté, 1902
Wesley Livermore, 
Pierre-Marie B., and 6 others are discussing.
Nadir Surani 11:14 am on October 2, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
In order to analyze this painting, it is important to understand its context. The Battle of the Plains of Abraham (September 13, 1759), is a battle that takes its name, Abraham, from the fact that it was fought on a piece of land belonging to Abraham Martin. The Battle of the Plains of Abraham killed both General Wolfe and General Montcalm (depicted here). Montcalm is a controversial figure amongst military historians who remember him for his fall of Quebec because he made a bad decision to attack too quickly without waiting for the onset of 3000 more troops, and yet others have worshiped and memorialized Montcalm, especially in France and Quebec.
Thus, the ideology and political representation of French-Canadian nationalism in this painting is well portrayed by Quebec born, Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Coté, who recognizes him as a hero that fought for his country, not one that was defeated on the battlefield. She makes Montcalm look like a hero because he is on his death bed, surrounded by several religious figures that seem to worship him. For example, we see the nuns reciting a prayer, a Catholic priest in purple signifying royalty and mourning, and probably other important figures that formed part of his troop.
The consequences, therefore, of the Plains of Abraham for world history are recognizable: without it, the peaceful coexistence of two rivals, the English and the French, for two centuries side by side without violence, would never have been possible. Notably, the battle shaped a new country that would one day be called Canada. September 13, 2013 marked the 254th anniversary of the Battle of Plains of Abraham, an event that is still remembered by many.
Tina Loo 11:14 am on October 6, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Nadir, I hadn’t thought of this painting as you did: if I understand you, you’re saying that Montcalm is made to look more heroic because he’s depicted dying in bed. I suppose that could be the case! After all, there’s no direct reference in the painting to the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. For all we know, Montcalm could be dying of old age! Maybe you’re right that Coté was trying to deflect attention away from the defeat on the battlefield. Anyway…you’ve given me a new perspective on the painting!!!
Susanna Chan 4:05 pm on October 3, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
It is important to understand that every painting has different interpretations, all depending on what the artist chooses to put in/leave out, and how he/she completes the piece of art. A single painting can tell us a lot, such as what occurred in history. Some artists will interpret it by portraying the main character (ie: West drew on artistic convention to portray Wolfe as Christ – from Sept 30 lecture).
It shows Montcalm as the main character focused on in the painting. This shows defeat and sacrifice. It shows that Montcalm was a spectacular hero in the Battle of Plains of Abraham; he helped in shaping Canada to become what we call the land of freedom today. He is the center of attention in the painting, with mourners surrounding him, condoling him, and showing sadness.
I believe the painting is a great reminder of the sacrifices Wolfe and Montecalm made to Canada, especially Quebec. it is a piece of remembrance for history and what happened in the past. The fight changed North America and Quebec forever. This is a simple reminder of a battle fought by great men.
Tina Loo 11:16 am on October 6, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Susanna, Yes, Montcalm is the centre of attention, and he’s shown dying. But there’s no reference to the Battle of the Plains of Abraham…. Maybe the painter doesn’t want to draw attention to defeat?
lindseyaw 5:47 pm on October 3, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The painting, ‘Mort du Montcalm’ painted by Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor Coté, in comparison to the multiple paintings depicting James Wolfe’s death, shows a death without the victory, or obvious glory and religious symbolism. Wolfe’s death is depicted on the battlefield, while Montcalm’s is indoors, on a bed surrounded by other French people and two religious figures. This painting has a lot to do with French or French-Canadian pride, rather than celebrating a victory like Wolfe’s painting does. It feels very sombre, due to the way that the people around him are standing. They’re all looking down at Montcalm, and therefore he is clearly the focus. Due to the sombre nature of the image, it shows that the French lost at the Battle of Abraham, but it aims to represent that Montcalm did it with dignity, as he is wearing white, and there is light shining upon him.
This painting was only created in 1902, hundreds of years after the Battle at the Plains of Abraham. Due to this date, this painting is definitely a representation of ideologies rather than depicting accurate history. This image fills the purpose of maintaining a proud French-Canadian identity. It reminds people that the French lost Quebec, and they were defeated by the English, and this was a time of change in Quebec. It shows that the French-Canadian identity still exists, even after the French defeat and the control of the British. Compared to other depictions of Montcalm’s death, it appears more real, and foreshadows the changes that occurred after the Battle at the Plains of Abraham. The painting ensures that General Montcalm is remembered as a hero, and French-Canadian identity lives on, even through he lost the battle.
Tina Loo 11:18 am on October 6, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Lindsey, I like this interpretation and especially that you’ve noticed when the painting was done. It is a sombre painting, for sure, without any sense of celebration. But do we know from the painting that Montcalm is dying as a result of wounds he suffered in battle – a battle he lost? Do you think that’s significant?
mwaldron 1:48 pm on October 4, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
As few people have already mentioned and was discussed in class, works of art history are subject to both the interpretation of the painter and the person looking at the painting. This painting of Montcalm can have a number of different meanings depending on such circumstances.
Here, we see Montcalm indoors (in contrast to the painting of Wolfe in which he is on the battlefield) which does have a hint of accuracy behind it – Montcalm was wounded in the abdomen during his final battle and taken to hospital where he perished. He is also surrounded by many people, clergy included, and depicted as a man of high worth, similar to the painting of Wolfe which we viewed in class in which he is presented as almost Christ-like. In this piece of art, Montcalm is dressed in white, and the artist has included somewhat of an aura around him.
This, however, is a clear indicator of the artist’s standpoint of Montcalm and his battles: he sees them as good and memorializes Montcalm. Commemoration of Montcalm took place in various places in England and France, however, this is not the case for all. Many view Montcalm’s choices in battles as controversial and criticize them, especially those which were made in Quebec.
Finally, with this painting being done many many years after Montcalm’s death, it solidifies a connection between French Canadians and their ties back to the French Monarchy, even though British Monarchy succeeded in the defeat of the French in the battle. It serves as piece of worship for French-Canadians who view Montcalm as champion.
Tina Loo 11:21 am on October 6, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Marissa, Is there a significance to showing Montcalm inside instead of on the battlefield? The painter could have shown him getting wounded…or in the immediate aftermath of his injury (like West). He is the centre of attention as you say, and it’s likely the painter wanted to put him in a good light. How is that achieved by erasing any reference to his last battle?
geenalee 2:26 pm on October 4, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
France’s defeat in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759 is historically undisputed. However, various interpretations and portrayals of this event exist, such as this particular painting which presents the French General’s death. Through this painting, Suzor-Coté provides contextual evidence which furthers our understanding of the significance behind the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in Canadian history.
Firstly, in analyzing this painting, I think it is important to recognize and establish the overall mood Coté aims to present. For instance, he has chosen to depict General Montcalm’s death indoors, with a dark and dull backdrop. The colours he has used also contribute to the overall serious and solemn atmosphere of the scene. If we compare this presentation to West’s painting of General Wolfe’s death, we can note that the colours in West’s painting are contrastingly more vibrant, the scene is set outside on the battlefield, and while the overall mood is indeed serious and solemn as well, it expresses a more glorious aura. Thus, these differences indicate the differences in the ideological purposes of the two paintings. That is, while West presents the Battle of the Plains of Abraham as a celebratory day, Coté attempts to convey the serious yet dignified stance of the defeated French people.
Evidently, General Montcalm’s placement in the centre focuses on the general respectful attitude towards his efforts in the battle. In contrast to his bleak surroundings, he is dressed in white, possibly representing France’s pure and heroic vision of him. The nuns kneeling and praying is also a direct representation of Catholicism. This seems to suggest the fact that despite the hardships, French Canadians were determined to remain faithful to their religion and culture.
Overall, I think this painting offers valuable insight on the deep roots of French and Quebecois nationalism. Coté presents a powerful painting which presents the ideological views of French Canadians; Coté being born in Quebec suggests the bias of his interpretation. While the Battle of the Plains of Abraham was indeed a time of mourning, it was also a time where French Canadians became strongly united.
Tina Loo 11:23 am on October 6, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Geena, I like your comments on the contrast in colours in West’s painting and this one; and your comment on Montcalm’s clothing (I hadn’t thought of that!). I agree that Coté is making an argument with the painting, one one that is favourable to the French. Is there any significance to the fact that Montcalm is shown dying in bed and not on the battlefield?
doraleung 2:54 pm on October 4, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
History can be interpreted in many different ways; and art is just one of the ways that it can be interpreted. Even in art itself, history can be portrayed in various ways. This piece, “Mort du Montcalm” or “The Death of Montcalm”, painted by Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Coté in 1902, is his take on General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm’s death at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759. Due to his successes in previous battles, Montcalm was considered a notable French commander respected in France and Quebec.
To analyze what ideological purposes of this image, we must understand that Foy Suzor-Coté was a French Canadian from Quebec. One could assume that he most likely adopted French Canadian nationalistic ideas. This can be seen through his painting of Montcalm. As we see, Montcalm is lying in his death bed, painted using paler, lighter colors than the rest of the painting, almost as if there was a light shining on him from heaven. The contrast between the lightness and the darkness portrays Montcalm as if he were a holy sacrifice given at the Battle of Quebec. The downward angled faced of the people standing and kneeling around him show deep mourning. Some of those people even have their hands covering their mouths or faces. It can be deducted that Foy Suzor-Coté is trying to communicate that Montcalm’s death was that of a hero’s.
Tina Loo 11:24 am on October 6, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Dora, I think you’re right that Coté was trying to paint Montcalm as a hero, and I like the comments about the paler colours and what they might signify. I wonder if you think there’s any significance to him being shown dying in bed instead of the battlefield?
Pierre-Marie B. 2:57 pm on October 4, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
In order to exploit the full potential of historical documents we have to ask the questions “Who wrote/painted this?” and more precisely “In what purpose?”. Most of the time authors convey their personal opinion and interpretation on historical events by using devices to portray what they want the audience to think about – and possibly convince people to share their view. This intention clearly appears in painting such as Benjamin West “The Death of Wolfe” (1771) or Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Coté “Mort du Montcalm” (1902). These two paintings serve opposite ideological purposes: they portray fallen leaders of both camp after the Battle of the Plains of Abraham (September 13, 1759) between the English and the French for the domination over Canada.
While “The Death of Wolfe” depicts him as a heroic figure doing the ultimate/Christ-like sacrifice in a brave death on the battlefield then exposing the victory of Britain over France, “Mort du Montcalm” represents the French general on his death bed in a very solemn way. The colors are darker and the atmosphere developed by the tints is funerary, not as victorious as West painting. However, the character of Montcalm is put in the centre of the painting to focus attention on him and to remind us he played a significant role for the French-Canadian people back then, and still does nowadays. The light aura upon him represents his devotion for Quebec and the faith people had in him. The presence of clergy members and nuns also enhances the desire for French-Canadians to keep their Catholic beliefs and stand their ground behind their fallen hero.
Suzor-Coté is born in the province of Quebec and it definitely has an influence on his painting. Through the prism of his artistic creation he supports a socio-political point of view in favor of a French identity and values in Canada. The fact that his painting was only created more than a hundred year after the events strengthen the idea that it is used as a manifesto to ensure remembrance of Montcalm and what he represents for French-Canadians despite the defeat of the French and their eviction from North America.
Tina Loo 11:26 am on October 6, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Pierre, I agree that the painting has a political argument and is meant to celebrate Montcalm (just like West’s painting was to celebrate Wolfe). It is solemn rather than victorious. I wonder if you think there’s any significance to the fact that Montcalm is shown dying in bed rather than the battlefield?
Wesley Livermore 3:53 pm on October 4, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
In order to depict this image we must look at the focal points. We see Montcalm as the main focal point, in which defeat is obvious. This is vital because without Montcalm’s efforts the Canada we have come to know today would not be the same. Montcalm displayed heroic feats during the Battle of Plains of Abraham. The people surrounding Montcalm are clearly mourning or are upset. This demonstrates respect and thankfulness towards him.
It has been said that the winners of a war always write the history books. In this case it is a painting, glorifying Montcalm. This is important to note because by glorifying Montcalm it pushes again the fact that the British had won the battle (this painting was painted in 1902, many years after the battle). As well, Montcalm clearly wearing white may represent purity and dignity in which he gave his full efforts in the battle.
Tina Loo 11:28 am on October 6, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Wesley, Yes, Montcalm is the centre of attention and people are upset at his death. But is it significant that he’s shown dying in bed instead of the battlefield?
Tina Loo 11:33 am on October 6, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
General Comments:
Most of you picked up on the fact that this painting, like Benjamin West’s, makes a visual argument about their subjects; i.e. Generals Wolfe and Montcalm. That said, the two paintings are very different. Many of you commented on the significance of the colours used by Suzor-Coté as opposed to West, but not many of you picked up on the significance of portraying Montcalm dying in bed (except for Nadir, who makes an interesting argument).
Why show Montcalm in bed rather than on the battlefield? Is it some sort of critical commentary; i.e. that generals die in bed while their troops suffer? Probably not in this case. Could it be that the painter wanted to avoid showing Montcalm dying on the battlefield because that would call attention to a French DEFEAT? He still wanted to portray the French general as a hero, though, so he showed him inside, with no reference to the Battle of the Plains of Abraham (or any other battle for that matter).