Zacharie Vincent and His Son Cyprien, c.1851

Zacharie Vincent, Zacharie Vincent and His Son Cyprien, c.1851, oil on canvas, 48.5 x 41.2 cm, Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.
In this self-portrait, and others from around this time, Vincent portrays himself with his eldest son, Cyprien. Before the democratizing effect of photography became widespread, the painted family portrait was a mark of pride in a family’s lineage. This painting can also be understood as a conscious response to those who had predicted the disappearance of the Hurons. In the early years of his career Vincent sought to define his identity, both professional and individual, and to document his status as a father and an artist.
Gallery

Zacharie Vincent and His Son Cyprien, c.1851

Head of a Moose, from Nature, c.1855

Lake Saint-Charles, c.1860

Fire at the Paper Mill in Lorette, c.1862

Self-Portrait, n.d.

Huron Chief Zacharie Vincent Telariolin Painting a Self-Portrait, c.1875

Zacharie Vincent Telari-o-lin, Huron Chief and Painter, c.1875–78

Snowshoe Maker, n.d.

Camp Site (Man with Long Coat), n.d.