Hamel, Théophile

Hamel, Théophile (b Sainte-Foy, nr. Quebec, 8 Nov. 1817; d Quebec, 23 Dec 1870).
Canadian painter of portraits and religious subjects, active mainly in Quebec. He was the most distinguished pupil of Plamondon and his early portraits combine his master's classicism with the simplicity of folk art (1842, Léocadie Bilodeau, Université Laval, Quebec). Later, following a visit to Europe (1843–6), he was influenced by Romanticism. He was regarded as the best Canadian painter of his time and his sitters included many leading contemporaries.