John Claude Whale

John Claude Whale. Canadian, 1852-1905. , Log Cabin, oil on canvas, n.d., Collection of the City of Brantford , John Claude Whale is the second son of painter Robert R. Whale and was born during his parents' voyage from England to Canada. A self-taught artist like his father, he often painted portraits and landscapes of the natural world. Many of these works were entered into local fairs throughout what is now Southern Ontario, and he claimed many prizes. As a young man, Whale lived in several Canadian cities such as St. Catherines, Ottawa, and Montreal. He also moved to the United States for a time and delivered art classes in New Hampshire and Vermont. Years later he settled in Brantford, where he died in 1905. , In this painting, a small log cabin rests calmly against a vast rural landscape, which is inspired by the land surrounding Brantford, Brant Region, and the Niagara Escarpment. Early colonists to Canada can be seen in the foreground, as can the felling of trees. , Brantford's Grand Exhibit is a partnership between the City of Brantford and Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant. This project brings high-quality reproductions of works from Glenhyrst Art Gallery's permanent collection into outdoor venues throughout Brantford. For more information about the project, including a map that identifies all locations, visit brantford.ca/grandexhibit., This project was made possible with support from the Downtown Brantford BIA and Brooks Signs.