Fotomontage van drie straatgezichten in Québec before 1894

Jules-Ernest Livernois created this photobook montage of Québec cityscapes at an unknown date, by using photographs. Here we see a fascinating interplay between civic pride and the burgeoning technologies of representation. These carefully arranged photographs offer more than simple documentation. They speak to a desire to promote Québec's unique identity. This city, with its blend of European heritage and North American setting, had a complex cultural position. The choice of specific architectural subjects - such as the Parliament building - suggests a focus on power, order, and historical continuity. The use of photomontage itself is significant. A relatively new medium, photomontage allowed artists to manipulate and combine images, constructing a particular narrative or viewpoint. To truly understand the artistic intent, we need to explore Livernois's broader body of work and his position within the Québec art scene of his time. Through careful archival research, we can uncover the social and institutional forces that shaped both the production and reception of this compelling visual statement.