John Hammond (1843-1939) was a remarkable Canadian painter whose life and work were as varied and adventurous as the landscapes he so meticulously captured on canvas. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Hammond's early life was marked by hard work and a determination to pursue his passion for art, which would eventually lead him to become one of Canada’s most respected artists.
Early Years and Diverse Experiences
Hammond's journey into the world of art began in an unlikely place—a marble mill where he started working at the tender age of nine. By eleven, he had already made up his mind to become an artist, a decision that would shape the course of his life. His early years in Montreal provided him with the education and experiences that would later fuel his artistic pursuits.
At the age of 23, Hammond joined a military regiment known as the "Ladies' Pets" and was dispatched to quell the Fenian raids, an early indication of his adventurous spirit. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he, along with his brother, decided to seek their fortune in the gold fields of New Zealand. They landed in Christchurch and embarked on a 120-mile journey on foot to the gold coast, where they spent two and a half years panning for gold.
While it’s unclear if Hammond pursued drawing during his time in New Zealand, this period of his life likely enriched his later work, providing him with a sense of the rugged landscapes and the resilience required to navigate them.
The Road to Artistic Mastery
Upon returning to Canada in 1870, Hammond joined the Transcontinental Survey party, contributing to preliminary studies for the building of a railway. This experience not only furthered his artistic skills but also deepened his connection to the Canadian landscape—a theme that would feature prominently in his later work.
In 1871, Hammond’s career took a significant step forward when he joined the prestigious Wm. Notman Photographers in Montreal. Here, he worked alongside notable artists such as J.A. Fraser, Henry Sandham, Otto Jacobi, and W.P. Weston. This environment fostered his development as an artist, and by 1873, he had achieved his goal of becoming a full-time painter, earning membership in the newly formed Ontario Society of Artists.
Hammond's talent and ambition drove him to explore new horizons. In 1885, he sailed to Europe, where he painted in Dordrecht, Holland, with the esteemed artist James Whistler, who likely influenced his mastery of etching. Hammond’s European sojourn also took him to Barbizon, where he painted with Francois Millet, and to Italy, where he sketched in Florence, Verona, Rome, and other cities. His time in Europe culminated in two awards at the Paris Salon in 1886, further cementing his reputation as a skilled and versatile artist.
Return to Canada and Artistic Contributions
Hammond’s return to Canada marked the beginning of a prolific period in his career. He was elected an Associate of the Royal Canadian Academy in 1890 and became a full member in 1893. His work during this time focused heavily on the Canadian landscape, particularly the scenery of Western Canada. Commissioned by Sir William Van Horne, the founder of the Canadian Pacific Railway (C.P.R.), Hammond created a series of large murals and paintings that depicted the vast and untamed beauty of Canada’s western frontier and the C.P.R.’s role in its development.
Hammond's works were celebrated for their atmospheric effects, particularly his ability to capture the prismatic beauty of sunlight struggling through fog—a testament to his keen observation and technical skill. His depiction of harbors and maritime scenes revealed his deep affinity for the sea and his mastery in conveying its ever-changing moods.
In 1920, Hammond held a solo exhibition at the Jenkins Gallery, where his works were praised for their atmospheric effects and meticulous attention to detail. A retrospective exhibition of his work in 1967 at the Owens Art Gallery, Mount Allison University, highlighted his commitment to exploring the aesthetic principles of late 19th-century French painting while maintaining a distinct Canadian perspective.
Legacy and Impact
John Hammond’s contributions to Canadian art are manifold. As the Director of the School of Art at Mount Allison University from 1907 to 1919, he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of Canadian artists. His meticulous drawings, often resembling his etchings in precision and detail, reflected his strong European influences and his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Hammond’s work is represented in numerous prestigious collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and various private collections across Canada. His legacy is one of artistic excellence and a life lived with an adventurous spirit, qualities that continue to inspire admiration and respect in the art community.
John Hammond passed away in 1939 at the age of 96, leaving behind a body of work that captures not only the beauty of the Canadian landscape but also the indomitable spirit of an artist who dedicated his life to the pursuit of artistic mastery.
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