Cornelius Krieghoff’s Clearing Land Near the St. Maurice River captures the rugged reality of 19th-century pioneer life in Canada. The painting shows settlers clearing dense forest to create farmland, with towering pines and the St. Maurice River highlighting the untamed wilderness. Krieghoff’s attention to detail, from worn clothing to scattered logs, vividly portrays the labor and perseverance of early settlers. Born in the Netherlands, Krieghoff became known for his evocative depictions of Canadian frontier life, emphasizing the settlers' efforts to develop the land and the essential role of natural resources in Canada's growth.
