The “Group of Seven”
Thomson, In the Northland
The Group of Seven was created in 1920 as a movement of self-proclaimed modern artists, who started a long revolution in the conservative Canadian art. Tom THOMSON (1877–1917) had a significant influence on the group and was included in the circle of friends, but since he died in 1917 he never became a member of the Group. The “Group of Seven” chose subjects which revealed the beautiful landscapes of Canada, and that may be one of the reasons they are nationally beloved.
The Group of Seven seated around a table at the Arts and Letters Club, Toronto. From left to right:
Varley, Jackson, Harris, Barker Fairley (non-member), Johnston, Lismer, MacDonald. Carmichael was absent.
The original
members were:
Carmichael, Waterfalls on the Way into Lake Nellie
Harris, Shimmering Water, Agonquin Park
Jackson, Early Spring, Quebec
Johnston, High Park
Lismer, Pacific Coast
MacDonald, Autumn, Algoma
Varley, Stormy Weather in Georgian Bay
Invited members:
A. J. CASSON (1898-1992) joined the Group in 1926.
Casson, Bon Echo
Edwin HOLGATE (1892-1977) joined the Group in 1931
Holgate
L.L. FITZGERALD (1890-1956) joined the Group in 1932
Ftzgerald, Doc Snider´s House
Emily Carr (1871–1945), another famous artist, after meeting members of the Group, changed the direction of her
artistic life and was strongly influenced by them.
Carr, Tree in Autumn
The Art
Gallery of Ontario in Toronto holds one of Canada´s most extensive collections
of fine art and modern sculpture.
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection:
References:
Murray, Joan. Northern Lights. Masterpieces of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. Key Porter Books, 1994