This watercolour painting, titled "In the Moose Country, North of Georgian Bay" was created by Thomas Mower Martin, often referred to as "the father of Canadian art." Born in England in 1838, Martin immigrated to Canada in 1862 and became a founding member of the Ontario Society of Artists. His work is renowned for capturing the untamed beauty of Canada’s wilderness during a time of burgeoning national identity.
The painting depicts a serene, autumnal landscape typical of northern Ontario, showcasing the rugged yet tranquil nature that became emblematic of Canada’s artistic identity. Georgian Bay, part of the larger Great Lakes system, was an area explored by early settlers and traders, and Martin's depiction of it emphasizes the vast wilderness that early Canadians revered. His works contributed to establishing a distinct Canadian landscape tradition, reflecting the natural grandeur that still defines Canada’s cultural heritage.
