1. Haytime at Riverview Furtniture
Haytime is an oil on canvas painting depicting the Hamilton Farm along South Lake Road, just outside of Minden.You may be wondering, how did an internationally renowned artist begin painting fields in Minden? Our story is just getting started...Andre Lapine was born in Skujene, Riga (Russia), Latvia in 1866. Lapine began to show a great interest in art from a very young age, going on to study fine arts in various European countries as he grew up. Lapine had the ability to capture an image with simple, strong strokes, as is clearly illustrated through his sketches and brushwork noted here. Lapine took his experiences and created a unique and identifiable style, which added to the definition of Canadian art.
2. Horses Hauling Logs at Up River
Horses Hauling Logs is a large oil painting, and is the best known work by Andre Lapine. The image was created based on a visit to Quebec c.1930. Andre Lapine had come to Canada from Holland in 1905, shortly after marrying longtime beau Gertrudia Columbine. Taking land in Manitoba originally, he attempted to farm, which was either not to his liking or perhaps his passion for painting drove him to the city - it's not entirely clear. He moved to Toronto shortly thereafter, where he began working with Fred Brigden at the Toronto Engraving Co., which later changed its name to Brigden's Ltd. Brigden's was one of the largest commercial art studios in Toronto, creating illustrations for Simpson's and Eaton's catalogues. Lapine became very well-known for his hyper-realistic illustrations of lace and fur. His popularity quickly grew in the arts community. Lapine's work was frequently seen on the covers of the Toronto Star Weekly, and he officially became a member of the Ontario Society of Artists (OSA) in 1909. By 1919, Lapine was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy. His work was selected and purchased by the National Gallery of Canada as well as the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).
4. Forest Interior at the Dominion Hotel
Forest Interior is the closest example of Lapine’s use of the Impressionistic style. Lapine was known for dabbling in a variety of styles, and excelling in whatever form he attempted. Malloney's Art Gallery in Toronto provides us with detailed insight into the artists eclectic skill-set, stating: "[Lapine's] sixty years of active painting have been divided equally between the Old World and the New. Sixty years ago he began to paint in Paris in the hey-day of the great Impressionists, (Manet, Money, Sisley, Pissaro, Raffaelli, Renoir). He came to Canada just as the Group of Seven were transplanting Impressionism to the Canadian scene. He saw Impressionism rise and wane in Europe and then rise and wane in Canada. He had close, personal contacts with the great masters of both movements, knew what they were doing and why they were doing it. There is probably no painter in the world today who has had the unique opportunity to live in the very midst of two such vital and important artistic revolutions."
5. Mill Scene at the Beaver Theatre
Mill Scene is a local image of Minden portrayed by Andre Lapine. Why was Lapine fascinated by horses? There are multiple reasons! Lapine emerged as an artist at the heigh of the Industrial Revolution. This was a time of major societal shifts, and it is a well-known fact that many artists grappled with this change. The whimsical details of a simplistic lifestyle - which were the basis of many artists inspirations - were suddenly replaced by the coldness of mechanics and efficiency. Horses represented a chapter from the past; a connection between man and nature that proved effective yet natural. Within the wild woods of Northern Ontario, Lapine believed there was nothing more organic and mesmerizing than watching the determination and grit of horses. He became known as "the Gentle Cavalier," depicting horses in such detailed realness that the audience could feel the movement, muscle, and force of each animal. Lapine also had a debilitating fear of automobiles. He never drove, and never got his license. In 1934, tragedy struck when Lapine was crossing the road in Toronto, and was hit by a moving vehicle. His injuries were severe and it appeared unlikely he would survive. He was sent to St. Joseph's Hospital in Toronto to attempt recovery, which was where he met life-long friend, Agnes Jamieson. Lapine managed to survive the accident, but was never quite the same. In the 1940's, the Lapines moved to Minden, staying at Billy Hamilton's Farm on South Lake. It was time for Lapine to remove himself from the hustle and bustle of the city art scene, and enjoy the tranquility of nature. There are residents of Minden who remember him walking the roads with his paint-box in hand, or joining Dr. Agnes Jamieson during her calls across the community.
6. Cows in Autumn at Molly's Bistro
Cows in Autumn is a traditional composition of a fall scene. Lapine painted a number of these exact painting, each in a different season. Many of these painting are housed in the Agnes Jamieson Gallery at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre. This was due to the ongoing friendship between Lapine and Minden local Frank Welch. Frank was well-known in the town of Minden; a community he served as Reeve for many years. He was also the owner of the funeral parlour. Frank befriended the artist after Lapine's wife died, offering him room and board in exchange for paintings. Over the years, Frank accumulated over 45 paintings, which he bequeathed to the municipal government - on the condition the town keep them in a suitable location. In her later years, Dr. Jamieson dedicated herself to ensuring the Lapine collection remained in Minden, and that the community would have a public art gallery, part of a Cultural Centre. Her determination, and that of a group of volunteers, made that goal a reality. Today, the Agnes Jamieson Gallery holds over 100 works by Lapine, as well as a variety of other works by Canadian Artists. The Gallery is located right next door, at 176 Bobcaygeon Road. Lapine died in 1952, and is buried with his wife in the Minden Cemetery. To see the full Lapine collection, please visit the Agnes Jamieson Gallery, open Tuesday - Saturday, 10-4. Admission by donation, and all are welcome.
