Baillairgé

Baillairgé.
Family of French-Canadian artists (mainly architects and woodcarvers) who were a dominant force in the artistic life of Quebec City in the 18th and 19th centuries. The founder of the dynasty was Jean Baillairgé (1726–1805), who emigrated from France in 1741; other members included his son François (1759–1830), the outstanding individual, François's son Thomas (1791–1859), and Thomas's second cousin (Jean's great-grandson) Charles (1826–1906). François studied in Paris, 1778–81, and his elegant style was strongly influenced by contemporary French art. His output was varied, but he is best known for his elaborately carved church interiors, of which one of the finest is that of St Joachim (1816–29) at Montmorency, Quebec province. He said that he wanted his sculpture to be ‘as rich, skilful, and natural as possible’.