Edwin Holgate (1892-1977)
Edwin Holgate, Totem Poles, Gitsegiuklas, 1927.
Edwin Holgate, born on August 19, 1892, in Innisfil, and died on May, 21, 1977, in Montreal, was a renowned painter. He received extensive training in both Canada and Europe, studying at the Art Association of Montreal, the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris, and under prominent artists in both Montreal and France. In 1930, Edwin joined the Group of Seven.
Although Holgate was associated with the Group of Seven, he was also a prominent figure in the Montreal art scene. His involvement with the Montreal Group of Painters and the Beaver Hall Group connected him to a different artistic community. Alongside, he was a dedicated teacher, influencing a generation of Canadian artists through his work at the School of the Art Association of Montreal.
Edwin has several unique aspects in his work and artistic focus, that differentiate him from the co-members:
Holgate was also renowned for his portraiture and figure painting. His ability to capture the human form with sensitivity and precision set him apart from his peers, who rarely ventured into this genre.
He was an accomplished wood engraver, a skill that added another dimension to his artistic repertoire. His engravings, characterized by their intricate detail and strong composition, contributed significantly to Canadian printmaking and illustrated his versatility as an artist.
While the Group of Seven often depicted the rugged landscapes of Northern Ontario and the Canadian wilderness, Holgate frequently painted scenes from the Laurentians, the Eastern Townships of Quebec, and the Charlevoix region. This regional focus provided a different perspective on the Canadian landscape.
