Montreal River 1920

J.E.H. MacDonald created "Montreal River" in Canada, at a time of great artistic nationalism. The Group of Seven, of which MacDonald was a key founder, aimed to create a uniquely Canadian art movement. Their focus on landscape was a conscious effort to define Canadian identity through its natural environment, moving away from European traditions. In doing so, however, they were able to use the styles of modernism. MacDonald’s vibrant colours and energetic brushwork capture the raw, untamed essence of the Canadian wilderness. This painting reflects the broader cultural and political context of a nation seeking to assert its independence and distinct character on the world stage. It is a statement that Canada is not Europe. Further research into the art criticism of the period, combined with an understanding of Canadian history, can illuminate the socio-political underpinnings of the Group of Seven's artistic project.