ALLAN EDSON
(1846 - 1888)

Landscape (c.1875)

Allan Edson was born in Stanbridge Ridge of the Eastern Townships. He arrived in Montreal in 1861 soon to be working at a wholesale house. Edson developed most of his artistic skills by studying with Robert Duncanson, the black American artist. In 1861, using his own savings and with the aid of a Stanbridge banker, he travelled to England to continue his studies for approximately one year. Shortly after returning to Montreal in 1867, he became a charter member of the Society of Canadian Artists. He resided in Montreal until 1881 when he moved to Paris for three years and then spent a few months in London before returning to Montreal. A few months after that, once again, Edson left Montreal, this time for Scotland. He later settled in London, to work and exhibit. Voyaging back to Canada, he made residence in Glen Sutton where the following spring he died at the age of forty-two.

The work of Edson shows great attention to detail, reflecting influences of a Pre-Paphaelite style he acquired from England. This style of concern for atmosphere, clarity, and assertion of foreground elements, can also be attributed to Duncanson. He is considered a painter of individuality and imagination, and he enjoyed painting quiet, secluded moments of nature.

His work of 1870 called "Mount Oxford, Morning" impresses the viewer with its great enthusiasm for calmness achieved by the use of subtle tones. The same qualities can be identified with "Landscape" (c.1875) as it depicts two fisherman patiently waiting by a stream. Edson's other works included Canadian River Scene (1868), Mount Oxford, Morning (1870), and Trout Stream in the Forest (1875/c.1880).

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