Painter Adrien Hébert (1890-1967) was renowned for his modernist style and unique vision, capturing the distinctive energy of urban spaces. His compositions celebrated the bustling atmosphere of Montreal amid the rapid modernization of the Twentieth Century.
“His circa 1936 – 1937 canvas Christmas at Morgan’s (above) is an exceptional example of Hébert’s dedication to capturing the essence of the modern city. Henry Morgan & Company, known colloquially as Morgan’s, is widely recognized as the first department store in Canada” – Heffel Fine Art Auction House
A bit of history: The Hudson’s Bay Company bought Morgan’s in Montreal in 1960. The painting became part of The Bay’s art collection in 1970. Heffel auctioned the painting as part of The Hudson’s Bay collection in November, 2025, part of the liquidation of company assets, to pay off debt. Estimated to go for $40,000 – $6,000 Cdn, it sold for $253,250.
Hébert also painted the Eaton’s Christmas window in Montreal, 1937, a perspective from inside the store, looking out onto the street. Hébert was heralded for realism of the Morgan’s Christmas painting and the technical accomplishments of the Eaton’s work, both part of a exhibition in 1937.
As the son of famous Quebec sculptor Louis-Philippe Hébert and the brother of sculptor Henri Hébert, Adrien was exposed to art at a young age, and his fascination with the aesthetics of the everyday world started early. (Read more about this artist at either of the auction houses below)
Morgan’s at Christmas at Heffel, here.
The Eaton’s painting, at Cowley Abott auction house, here.
Discover more from Canadian Art Junkie
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Wonderful.
So wonderful, I love seeing these old paintings of how Christmas used to be. Traditional, old fashioned, charming. We’re not so formal anymore. People are not elegant as they used to be. In fact, my mother went to the opera recently and said it was said to see people who looked like they just finished their chores and “remembered” they had tickets to the opera, so came in normal every day clothes. It’s our new life, super casual.
Your mother sounds like my mother was! I also think it’s worthwhile seeing through paintings and photography how things used to be at Christmas, things long gone now – holiday windows in particular, which I used to love.
Yes, I’m grateful for you to bring some charm into our lives with this post. Just lovely! I’m not sure if you stop by my post, but I did this adorable puzzle with a fashionable lady, so darn cute. It also made me think of the “old days,” when we dressed up and had fun holiday shopping. Now, I have to say, I haven’t even gone to downtown Chicago. The charm is gone. In fact, I haven’t even heard holidays music on the radio this year, I’m sure it is there, but certainly not on all channels anymore. Well, our world had to change. 💕