Raoul Hunter, born in Saint-Cyrille-de-Lessard, graduated from the École des beaux-arts de Québec in 1953. A teacher and sculptor, he was also a caricaturist and editorialist at the Québec City daily Le Soleil. Most of his sculptures were commissions. His production was very diverse, including statues, monuments, busts, medals, and bas-reliefs. His artworks are found in various locations in North America: Québec, Ontario, Alberta, Massachusetts, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and California.
- 17 Artworks
- 1h
- Berri-UQAM metro station
Saint-Laurent metro station
Artwork description
The statue of Mother Émilie Gamelin is a faithful representation of the nun. It stands in the pavilion of the Berri-UQAM Metro station, in the square that bears her name. The artist Raoul Hunter was inspired by the only known authentic portrait of Mother Gamelin, painted in 1843 by Vital Desrochers and conserved in the motherhouse of the Sisters of Providence community in Montréal. Hunter’s full-round sculpture presents her dressed in her community’s habit, in action, carrying on her arm a basket of foodstuffs destined to relieve the hunger and misery of the forgotten of her time. The accentuated movement of her step recalls her great energy and generosity. Mother Gamelin is not portrayed on an elevated base; rather, she is on the same level as passersby. Her smile testifies to her openness and sympathy. The statute symbolizes the contribution made by this exemplary and pious woman to Montréal in her time and today. This work commemorates the bicentenary of her birth (19 February 1800).
“I wanted to make as faithful as possible an image so that everyone could remember the features and the expression of this woman, who was directly concerned with the misery of her times.”– Raoul Hunter