Collection search - Vincent Massey appointed first Canadian High Commissioner to the United States

Record information – Brief
1
Vincent Massey appointed first Canadian High Commissioner to the United States

Hierarchical level:

Item

Date:

1927

Reference:

Box number: 2000815295

Type of material:

Art

Found in:

Archives / Collections and Fonds

Item ID number:

2837667

Context of this record:

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Massey family fonds

Art

Vincent Massey appointed first Canadian High Commissioner to the United States
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Record information – Details
Date(s):

1927

Bilingual equivalent:

Click here

Place of creation:

No place, unknown, or undetermined

Extent:

tempera on cardboard
Support x cm

Language of material:

no language

Scope and content:

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The subject of this drawing was identified as "Vincent Massey Entering Politics" when it first arrived at the National Archives. Subsequent research and correspondence with Hart Massey, reveals that the ocassion alluded to in this cartoon drawing is Massey's appointment as High Commissioner to Washington in 1926 ( see artist's file for research notes)., This large cartoon was most likely presented to Massey during a celebration at the Arts and Letters Club held on 5 February 1927. Massey was presented with an illuminated book designed by J.E.H. MacDonald who also did this cartoon. The book was returned to the Arts and Letters Club by Hart Massey where it remains. See colour copies of the book on the artist file., The cartoon is loaded with symbolic references. It features two of Canada's best-known prime ministers, Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir Wilfrid Laurier with Vicent Massey between them. Macdonald and Laurier are presented as latter-day saints watching over Massey who is depicted as Mercury carrying a caduesus, the symbol of peace and commerce, a fitting attribute for the newly appointed ambassador. Above the three figures are banners identifying Laurier and Macdonald and one bearing the initals of the Arts and Letters Club. Massey is identified by a banner reading "Vincenzio.", Laurier and Macdonald each hold books bearing the letter "P.N." and "N.P." respectively, standing for Politique national and National Policy.
Additional name(s):

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Artist: Macdonald, J. E. H. (James Edward Hervey), 1873-1932

Depicted: Macdonald, John A. (John Alexander), 1815-1891

Depicted: Laurier, Wilfrid, Sir, 1841-1919

Depicted: Massey, Vincent, 1887-1967

Macdonald, John A. (John Alexander), 1815-1891

Laurier, Wilfrid, Sir, 1841-1919

Massey, Vincent, 1887-1967
Additional information:

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Availability of other formats note:

Colour transparency available
Subject heading:

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cartoon / dessin humoristique

SUBJ - Foreign Affairs

Canada
Source:

Private

Other accession no.:

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1972-027 PIC
00001
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Conditions of access:

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Graphic (art)

[Consultation90 Open]
Physical Access Restriction. Must be viewed with staff assistance. Access and Use Restriction. Permission must be obtained from the Massey family before this item may be viewed, published or exhibited.

Box [1972-027]

[Consultation 90 Open]

2000815295 Item no. assigned by LAC 1

[Consultation 90 Open]

Copy negative [1972-027] C-002830

[Consultation 90 Open]

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Credit: Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1972-27-1
Copyright: Expired

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