A discussion of the stylistic development in the dated oil paintings of Lionel Lemoine Fitzgerald (1890-1956)

This thesis discusses the stylistic development of Lionel LeMoine FitzGerald (1890-1956) as seen in his dated oil paintings. Chapter I outlines FitzGerald's formative years (1890-1919). It attempts to explain how his love of the prairies and interest in art developed. It suggests the dominant influences in his study of art. It includes a stylistic discussion of FitzGerald's earliest works, including his well known, Late Fall, Manitoba (1918). Chapter II attempts to explain why FitzGerald suddenly lightened and brightened his palette. It explores the sources which may have influenced the development of FitzGerald's impressionistic style (1920-October 1921) and it provides a stylistic analysis of two of his impressionistic works, Summer East Kildonan (1920) and Summer Afternoon, The Prairie (1921). Chapter llldiscusses the importance of FitzGerald's first trip to New York, his study at the Art Students' League (December 1921 - May 1922) and his study of the works of European masters at the Metropolitan Museum. It explores the influence his two art instructors, Boardman Robinson and Kenneth Miller may have had on his work. It also suggests the importance of the works of Cezanne to FitzGerald's development. Chapter IV discusses the new directions FitzGerald pursued upon his return from New York. It reveals that FitzGerald's new style of painting, as seen in Potato Patch, Snowflake (1925) was fairly dependent on the external influences he had seen while in New York. This chapter also discusses the importance of FitzGerald's appointment as instructor for the Winnipeg School of Art, to his development of a new more studied style, as seen in Williamson's Garage (1927). Chapter V explores the influences of his second trip to the East (June 1 -July 1, 1930) on his artistic development, through revealing statements drawn from FitzGerald's Diary. Chapter VI reveals FitzGerald's striving towards more personal expressions during the thirties and forties, as seen in three major works from this period, Doc Snider's House (1931), Jar (1938), and Still Life: Two Apples (1940). Chapter VII discusses FitzGerald's gradual move towards abstraction. Suggestions of this direction, are already noted in From an Upstairs Window, Winter (1948). It includes a stylistic analysis of two abstract works, Composition No. 1 (c. 1950-51) and Abstract: Green and Gold (1954). The last major oil, Hat (1955), is discussed in terms of a final statement made by the artist. An attempt is made to determine the essential characteristics of FitzGerald's paintings, which enable them to transcend their regional boundaries and speak to all of Canada.Arts, Faculty ofArt History, Visual Art and Theory, Department ofGraduat