Sir Wylie Grier
1862–1957
Sir Edmund Wyly Grier (1862–1957) was a Canadian painter known for his realist portraits of prominent figures. Born in Melbourne to a physician father, Wyly moved to Bristol, England, as a young child before relocating to Toronto with his family in 1876. Grier received a comprehensive education at Upper Canada College and pursued art studies at the prestigious Slade School of Art in London. He also attended the British Academy and the Académie Julian in Paris, honing his skills alongside renowned painters such as Alphonse Legros, Adolphe Bouguereau, and Tony Robert-Fleury. Throughout his career, he painted many portraits, including influential figures like Sir Edmond Walker, Sir John A. MacDonald, and King George V. His artwork reflected his time’s prevailing social values and sentiments, receiving support from the establishment’s elite.
Grier became well-connected within Toronto society, and his reputation as a portrait painter grew, and his work was shown in many exhibitions, including the Ontario Society of Artists, where the emerging artists of the Group of Seven were gaining attention. He engaged in artistic debates, such as critiquing Tom Thomson’s work at the Arts & Letters Club. Grier participated in significant discussions on the merits of the Group of Seven’s art at the Empire Club. Grier’s speeches were known for their eloquence, and he was elected president of the Royal Canadian Academy in 1929. He received accolades throughout his career, including an honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree and a knighthood in 1935, and in 1938, the government of Nova Scotia commissioned the artist to restore and clean portraits displayed in Province House, Halifax. He delivered lectures and authored numerous articles, serving as the art editor for The Week for a period. He was also a member of the Canadian Author’s Association.
In very good condition, it has been professionally cleaned and inspected.
Size: 20.25 x 16'
medium: oil on canvas
signed lower left
Item is at the Dundrave location.
