Collection Highlights
The Canadian character of the furnishings and works of art enrich the heritage value of the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec. They are part of Canadian history and they showcase Canada’s diverse artistic and cultural traditions. Highlights of the collections are presented during the Residence Tour.
Portrait of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh
Photo: Rideau Hall
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh
Jean Paul Lemieux, C.C.
1977
Oil on canvas
203 cm x 392 cm
Crown Collection for the Official Residences of Canada
Public works and Government Services Canada, Quebec
This double portrait is the work of Jean Paul Lemieux (1904-1990), a Quebec artist renowned for his representations of the human figure set in vast, bare landscapes. Here, he depicts the Royal couple standing in a fictitious field near the Parliament Buildings, in Ottawa, highlighting the role of Her Majesty as Queen of Canada. The painting was unveiled on the 25th year of Her Majesty’s reign. It is displayed in the Salon Lemieux at the Official Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec.
Le Grand Livre de Champlain
Photo: MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall
Le Grand Livre de Champlain
Bernard Mounier, Patrick Henniquau and Laure Cotin
2008
Steel, wood, mounted canvas and China ink
220 cm x 300 cm
Collection of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General
Le Grand Livre de Champlain brings Champlain’s notes, maps and etchings under one cover. Inspired by the innovative idea of Bernard Mounier for the exposition Lorsque les gens d’ici découvraient l’Amérique, this original work was created and put together by artist Patrick Henniquau and handwritten by Laure Cotin. Le Grand Livre was a gift to Governor General Michaëlle Jean and to Canadians from the cities of La Rochelle and Rochefort and the Agglomération Royan Atlantique in France.
Furniture
Most of the furniture at the Citadelle, with a few exceptions, was made in Canada. Some pieces displayed in the old wing have been part of the residence for a very long time; here, we find pieces of French inspiration, of Classical Revival and of eclectic styles. In the new wing, we find traditionally made Québécois antiques.
Works of Art
All artists represented at the Citadelle are Canadian; many have received honours awarded by the governor general. Fine examples of modern and contemporary 20th-century works of art are displayed in the State rooms. They complement the modern character of the installations, while contrasting with the antique furniture, thus facilitating a blend of old and new. This approach is often seen in today’s interior decor trends. The residence also showcases a fine collection of Inuit artwork.
Public Works and Government Services Canada
Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is responsible for the collections displayed in the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec. PWGSC updates the inventory and ensures the conservation of the objects, sending them for restoration when required.
Through the years, PWGSC has also acquired many pieces of furniture and works of art, which form the permanent collection at the Citadelle. Such is the case of Jean-Paul Riopelle’s
Les 24 heures de l’Isle-aux-Oyes, donated to PWGSC by the artist and now exhibited in the Frontenac Dining Room.
The Canadiana Fund
New acquisitions can also come from donations made through the Canadiana Fund. The Canadiana Fund was established in 1990 by the National Capital Commission, in Ottawa, to enhance the State rooms of Canada’s official residences through donations of the finest examples of historical furnishings, paintings and objets d’art. The chosen pieces reflect Canada’s heritage and artistic traditions, or are historically associated with, or complement, the architectural style of each residence. The Grant de Longueuil Epergne, displayed in the Salon Champlain, is a fine example of an historic artifact acquired by the Canadiana Fund.
Other Collections at the Citadelle
To broaden the range of works represented, works of art on loan from other public institutions are sometimes added to the displays. For instance, the painting The Quebec Conference (1943), by Hubert Rogers—currently featured in the Main Entrance—is on loan from the Canadian War Museum. Also, several works of art and pieces of furniture are on loan from the Crown Collection for Canada’s Official Residences, managed by the National Capital Commission in Ottawa.
