Anne Savage (1896-1971) stands out as a significant figure in Canadian art, known for her lyrical and rhythmic landscapes that echo the grandeur of the Canadian wilderness. She was part of a group of pioneering women artists in Montreal after World War I and shared a deep connection with the nationalist and modernist ideas of the Group of Seven. However, Savage's influence extended far beyond her canvases; she was also a passionate and innovative art educator, shaping the careers of future Canadian artists.
Early Life and Artistic Formation
Born in Dorval, Quebec, Anne Savage grew up in a large, close-knit family. The rural surroundings of her childhood and the summers she spent in the Laurentians profoundly influenced her artistic vision, instilling in her a deep love for the Canadian landscape. Savage's art often portrayed this landscape as one where nature and humanity coexisted harmoniously.
Savage began her formal art education at the Art Association of Montreal, where she studied under the tutelage of William Brymner and Maurice Cullen from 1914 to 1918. This period was crucial in shaping her artistic identity. In 1919, she encountered Tom Thomson's oil sketches, which resonated deeply with her and solidified her alignment with the Group of Seven’s romantic vision of Canada’s natural beauty.
Artistic Career and the Beaver Hall Group
In 1920, Savage was instrumental in forming the Beaver Hall Group in Montreal, a collective that provided a platform for women artists in a male-dominated art world. Through this group, Savage met A.Y. Jackson, a member of the Group of Seven, who became a lifelong friend and supporter of her work.
Savage's early works, such as Untitled (Stream in Spring) (c. 1918), exhibit the influence of the Group of Seven, characterized by a focus on the natural world and a vibrant use of color. As her style matured, she developed a distinctive rhythmic quality in her landscapes, as seen in Untitled (Laurentian Hills with Barn) (c. 1932-1935), where her fluid brushwork brought a dynamic energy to the scenes she depicted.
In 1927, Savage embarked on a significant journey with sculptor Florence Wyle and ethnographer Marius Barbeau to the Skeena River district of British Columbia. This trip, which was part of a broader effort to document and preserve Indigenous art and culture, had a lasting impact on her work. Her sketches from this journey, now held in the National Gallery of Canada, reflect a deep respect for the cultural heritage of the Northwest Coast.
Dedication to Art Education
Despite her accomplishments as a painter, Savage chose to prioritize teaching over a full-time professional art career, largely due to her family responsibilities following the death of her twin brother, Donaldson, in World War I. In 1922, she began teaching at Montreal's Commercial and Technical High School, and shortly after, she was transferred to the newly opened Baron Byng High School. Savage’s teaching career spanned over two decades at Baron Byng, where she became known for her dedication and ability to inspire her students.
Her contributions to art education extended beyond the classroom. In 1948, she was appointed Supervisor of Art for the Protestant School Board of Montreal, and she later taught art education at McGill University in the 1950s. Savage was also a key figure in the establishment of the High School Art Teachers' Association, The Child Art Council, and the Quebec Society for Education Through Art, reflecting her belief in the transformative power of art.
Legacy and Later Work
In her later years, Savage’s work began to lean towards abstraction, with a focus on simplifying forms and using patches of color. Despite these shifts, the essence of the Canadian landscape remained central to her art. Her legacy as an artist and educator continues to influence Canadian art, particularly through the many students she inspired, such as Alfred Pinsky, Rita Briansky, and Moe Reinblatt.
Anne Savage passed away in Montreal in 1971, leaving behind a body of work that not only captures the beauty of the Canadian landscape but also reflects her deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of Canadian artists. Her life and work remain a testament to her vision, passion, and dedication to both art and education.
Browse our collection of Canadian paintings for sale at the Canadian Classic Fine Art gallery, The best place to buy a painting online. We provide free shipping anywhere in Canada and the United States. Our Montreal art gallery sells paintings online exclusively and have a 14 days return policy.