Clarence Gagnon

Clarence Gagnon (1881–1942) was a celebrated Canadian painter and printmaker best known for his luminous depictions of rural Quebec, particularly the Charlevoix region. Born in Montreal, he studied at the Art Association of Montreal before continuing his training in Paris, where he was influenced by French Impressionism and exhibited successfully at the Salon. His early achievements abroad brought international recognition at a relatively young age.

Upon returning to Canada, Gagnon focused on the villages and landscapes of Baie-Saint-Paul and the surrounding countryside. His winter scenes — marked by crisp light, simplified forms, and jewel-like colour — became especially sought after, helping to shape the visual identity of French Canada in the early twentieth century. Beyond painting, he was also an accomplished illustrator, notably producing engravings for a celebrated edition of Maria Chapdelaine.

Gagnon’s work is held in major public and private collections, and he remains one of the most refined interpreters of Quebec’s rural landscape. His paintings continue to resonate for their clarity, decorative strength, and enduring appeal to collectors of historic Canadian art.