Caughnawaga Women

This group of three Aboriginal women from the Caughnawaga reserve (today Kahnawake), wrapped in big shawls and carrying the baskets and bundles of their craft wares, warmly attests to the rich tradition of such representations, recalling the paintings of Cornelius Krieghoff a century earlier. However, this sculpture is noteworthy for the strong suggestion of movement in these tireless walkers, whose compact, forward-leaning forms seem to resist the elements, as revealed in a preparatory drawing. Their facial features also confirm the use of models from this community so close to Montreal. Through its forceful treatment of the subject and classical forms, Suzor-Coté has given us one of the most iconic works in the canon of Canadian sculpture.