A. J. Casson: White Pine

This painting is almost as beloved of Canadians as Tom Thomson‘s Jack Pine and The West Wind.  At the very top of the list is Tom Tomson’s Jack Pine, but Casson’s has its own swirdling flow.

Alfred Joseph Casson (May 17, 1898 – February 20, 1992) was a member of the Group of Seven and the Group of Seven remains the most important group of artists Canada has known.  However, I do not think Québécois would relate to these paintings in as visceral a way as do other Canadians, but outside Quebec, they are considered a national treasure: emblems.

Unlike Tom Tomson, A. J. Casson actually belonged to the Group.  He was introduced to its members by Franklin Carmichael.  Members of the original Group of Seven are Franklin Carmichael (1890–1945), Lawren Harris (1885–1970), A. Y. Jackson (1882–1972), Frank Johnston (1888–1949), Arthur Lismer (1885–1969), J. E. H. MacDonald (1873–1932), and Frederick Varley (1881–1969).

From time to time, I will feature a member of the group.  Having described a defining rebellion in Canada, it is time I returned to gentler shores and cozy interiors.