Located at the Place d’Armes, the Maisonneuve Monument was created by famed sculptor Louis-Philippe Hebert and erected in 1895. If the name “Hebert” sounds familiar that’s because he was considered one of the best – if not THE best – sculptor of his day. Hebert’s impressive works dot the landscape of Montreal and Ottawa (many of his sculptures can be found on Parliament Hill, including an outstanding statue of Queen Victoria). The level of detail Louis-Philippe Hebert is able to capture in his sculptures – and the Maisonneuve Monument is no exception – is simply outstanding. From the facial details to the “wrinkles” in the clothing, it is no wonder Hebert was so sought after to develop and create these important works, many of which pay homage and tribute to important figures in Canadian history.
Speaking of history, Hebert was commissioned to create the Maisonneuve Monument as a way to celebrate Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve and the 250th anniversary of the founding of Montreal (then called Ville-Marie). As far as sculptures that tell a story, the Maisonneuve Monument is epic in this regard because it, in effect, speaks to the founding of Montreal and how it took a variety of actors to bring the city to life. Consider:
At the zenith of the monument stands Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve, the founder and first Governor of Ville-Marie (modern day Montreal). He stands poised and serious – looking towards Notre-Dame. The flag of the king of France in his hand, ready to proclaim and claim the “new” land. At the column’s mid-base sits four figures important to the history of Montreal: Jeanne Mance, the first lay nurse in North America and founder of the first hospital in Ville-Marie; Raphael-Lambert Closse, the governor’s lieutenant; Charles Lemoyne, who was responsible for the security of the new township; and an “anonymous Iroquois warrior” who is there for their functional and practical purpose, being stewards of the land (and, hey, they caught Hebert’s imagination!).
Curiously, the monument was splashed with red paint in 2018 as part of what I call our retroactive “anger” towards historical figures because what was acceptable a few hundred years ago isn’t acceptable today. “Gassy Jack” in Vancouver suffered the same fate a couple of years later. Sometimes I think these acts of “protest” are just an excuse for people to vandalise parts of the city.
In any event, the Maisonneuve Monument, in my view, represents one of Louis-Philippe Hebert’s best works, which says a lot given the quality he produced. It tells a story; is highly detailed; and, has stood the test of time. If you’re exploring Old Montreal, and pass through the Place d’Armes, be sure to take a moment and appreciate this statue. It helps set the stage and context of the area.
PS: Looking back at my notes, I’d started penning this review in July and then obviously got distracted by other things. Such is life, I suppose ;)