Dog Statues: The English Pug - Montréal, Québec, Canada

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The English Pug

Montréal, Québec, Canada

Topic: Dog Statues

GPS: N45° 30.274; W073° 33.430

Quick Description: 

The English Pug is one of a pair of sculptures installed on the southwest side of Place d’Armes by the outside the National Bank building in Montréal, Québec.

Long Description:

A pair of 7' high bronze sculptures called The English Pug and the French Poodle have recently ben installed at the Place d’Armes in Montréal, Québec. The sculptures were created by Montreal artist Marc-André J. Fortier and were erected in 2013.

The English Pug depicts a tall, slender man dressed in a suit and wearing a bow tie. He is wearing an eye and nose mask while carrying a Pug in his arms. The Pug and the French Poodle are looking at each other across the plaza while the owners are looking in opposite directions.

A plaque at the base of the statue is inscribed:


"The English Pug and
the French Poodle
ou/or
"Le caniche français
et le carlin anglais"

Artiste: Marc A. J. Fortier
Fonderie: Atelier du Bronze

Maritime Monument: Nelson's Column - Montréal, PQ, Canada

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Nelson's Column

Montréal, PQ, Canada

Topic: Maritime Monuments

GPS: N45° 30.491; W073° 33.237

Quick Description: 

Nelson's Column is located in Place Jacques-Cartier in Old Montréal.

Long Description:

A monument to Admiral Horatio Nelson has a statue of the British Naval hero on the top of the column. The front of the base of the column has a relief of a wreath and nautical items such as: a pair of anchors, a pair of cannon, a sextant, and a crocodile. Within the wreath is the inscription:

IN MEMORY
OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE VICE-
ADMIRAL LORD VISCOUNT NELSON
DUKE OF BRONTE
WHO TERMINATED HIS CAREER
OF NAVAL GLORY
IN THE IN THE MEMORABLE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR
ON THE 21 OF OCT. 1805
AFTER INCULCATING BY SIGNAL
A MAXIM THAT CAN NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
BY HIS COUNTRY
ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY.
THIS MONUMENT PILLAR
WAS ERECTED BY SUBSCRIPTION
OF THE INHABITANTS OF
MONTREAL
IN THE YEAR 1808.

Front

The other three sided contain bas relief vignettes and inscriptions about great naval battles that Admiral Nelson fought against Napoleon's navy.
Battle of the Nile features the image of two ships firing their cannons at each other at very close range. Below is the inscription:

Battle of the Nile - 1798

ON THE 1 AND 2 OF AUGUST 1798

REAR ADMIRAL SIR HORATIO NELSON K.B.
WITH A BRITISH FLEET OF 12 SAIL OF THE LINE
AND A SHIP OF 26 GUNS
DEFEATED IN ABOUKIR BAY A FRENCH FLEET OF 13 SAIL OF THE LINE
AND 4 FRIGATES UNDER ADMIRAL BRUEYS TAKING AND DESTROYING THE WHOLE
EXCEPT 2 SAIL OF THE LINE AND 2 FRIGATES WITHOUT THE LOSS
OF A BRITISH SHIP
The Battle of Copenhagen features an image of Admiral Nelson meeting with a group of naval officers who have arrived by boat and the inscription:

Battle of Copenhagen - 1801

ON THE 2 OF APRIL 1801 A BRITISH FLEET OF 10 SAIL OF THE LINE AND 2 SHIPS OF 50 GUNS UNDER THE

IMMEDIATE COMMAND OF THE RIGHT HONORABLE VICE ADMIRAL LORD VISCOUNT NELSON
DUKE OF BRONTE ATTACKED THE DANISH LINE MOORED FOR THE
DEFENCE OF COPENHAGEN CONSISTING OF 6 SAIL OF THE LINE AND 11 LARGE
SHIP BATTERIES BESIDES BOMB AND GUN VESSELS SUPPORTED BY THE GROUND
AND LAND BATTERIES WHEN AFTER A SEVERE CONTEST OF 4 HOURS THE
WHOLE LINE OF DEFENCE WAS SUNK TAKEN OR DESTROYED WITHOUT
THE LOSS OF A BRITISH SHIP.
The Battle of Trafalgar features the image of a line of sailing ships and the inscription:

Battle of Trafalgar - 1805 

ON THE 21 OCT. 1805 THE BRITISH FLEET OF 27 SAIL OF THE LINE COMMANDED BY 

THE RIGHT HONORABLE ADMIRAL LORD VISCOUNT NELSON DUKE OF BRONTE
ATTACKED OFF TRAFALGAR THE COMBINED FLEET OF FRANCE AND SPAIN
OF 33 SAIL OF THE LINE COMMANDED BY THE ADMIRALS VILLENEUVE AND CRAVINA
WHEN THE LATTER WERE DEFEATED WITH THE LOSS OF 19 SAIL OF THE LINE CAPTURED AND DESTROYED
IN THIS MEMORABLE ACTION HIS COUNTRY HAS TO LAMENT THE LOSS OF HER GREATEST NAVAL HERO
BUT NOT A SINGLE SHIP.

Inukshuk: McCord Museum Inukshuk - Montréal, PQ, Canada

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McCord Museum Inukshuk

Montréal, PQ, Canada

Topic: Inukshuks

GPS: N45° 30.276; W 073° 34.435

Quick Description: 

An inukshuk located in front of the McCord Museum at 690 rue Sherbrooke Ouest in Montréal.

Long Description:

From McCord Museum website:

This inukshuk was erected under the terms of the Politique d'intégration des arts à l'architecture et à l'environnement of the ministère des Affaires culturelles du Québec. It was created by Jusipi Nalukturuk with the assistance of Booby Aupaluktuk and Allie Nartai. The sculpture was first constructed on Naqsaluk Island off the village of Inukjuak in Nunavik. One the work was completed, the stones were numbered and marked, and the inukshuk dismantled for shipment. It was rebuilt in the workshops of the Centre des arts contemporains du Québec in Montreal and exhibited in the Old Port of Montreak during the summer of 1992 as part of the 1er Salon international de la sculpture extérieure de Montréal. The sculpture was then transported in a single piece to its present home in front of the McCord Museum.

The inukshuk measures 3 meters in height by 2.7 meters in width and weighs 9 tons. It is constructed with some 200 stones.

Keys to History

Inukshuit (plural of inukshuk) are found in their hundreds wherever Inuit have settled. Literally meaning "that which acts on behalf of man", they are among the most remarkable structures ever built by the Inuit. In varying shapes and sizes, and most often anthropomorphic in form, these sculptures are erected at strategic sites, generally on high ground, which makes them visible from a great distance. Depending on their location, shape and orientation, inukshuit fulfill many varied functions.

What

They serve as trail markers, for example, suggesting the best route to follow, or indicate ideal campsite, the depth of snow, a dangerous river, or perhaps a caribou trail. Strategically placed, they are an invaluable aid to the hunter, guiding him the to the best spot for hunting caribou.

Where

Clearly outlined against the sky or snow-covered expanses, they are visible from great distances and serve as landmarks to guide traveler, both on land and water.

When

They also mark the site of an important event, for example, or the place where a death has occurred, and other memorable events, such as special meetings with other groups.

Who

In addition to their practical uses, inukshuit often take on a spiritual or sacred dimension. They may be erected to the memory of a deceased ancestor or important person, or on the site selected by a shaman.

Statue of Historic Figure: Nicolaus Copernicus - Montréal, PQ, Canada

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Nicolaus Copernicus

Montréal, PQ, Canada

Topic: Statue of Historic Figure

GPS: N45° 33.638; W073° 32.963

Quick Description: 

The new home of Montréal's statue of Copernicus is located in a grassy open area near the new Montréal Planetarium in Olympic Park.

Long Description:

The classic larger-than-life seated statue of Copernicus created by Bertel Thorvaldsen in 1822 that once was located in front of the Montréal Planetarium in Chaboillez Square was moved when the new planetarium was constructed in Olympic Park. The bronze statue of Nicolaus Copernicus has the astronomer holding a compass in his right hand and an armillary sphere in his left hand. Montréal's copy has been restored and the missing armillary sphere has been replaced.

The most famous copy of this statue is located at Polish Academy of Sciences in Wawsaw, Poland; but copies of this statue are erected around the world.

Copernicus was born on February 19, 1473 in Thorn in the Kingdom of Poland. About 1532 Copernicus had completed his work on the manuscript of De revolutionibus orbium coelestium, which espoused the revolutionary thesis of a heliocentric solar system. Due to its challenge to the existing established view of the universe, Copernicus' ideas were not published until 1540, a few years before his death in 1543.

A 93 km diameter lunar impact crater with a conspicuous system of rays is named after the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. It is located in eastern Oceanus Procellarum area of the moon.

Statue of Historic Figure: Jackie Robinson - Montréal, PQ, Canada

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Jackie Robinson Monument

Montréal, PQ, Canada

Topic: Statue of Historic Figures

Sculpture

Monument

GPS: N45° 33.349; W073° 33.063

Quick Description: 

A monument to Jackie Robinson, the first player of color in Major League Baseball, is located near Pie IX Metro station near Olympic Park in Montréal, Canada.

Long Description:

Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play for a major league baseball team when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947 at age 28. By doing so he broke the color barrier that allowed many other people of color to play professional baseball at the highest level of the sport.
Jackie Robinson played in the minor leagues with the Montreal Royals before starting a 10 year career with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He retired at age 37. He compiled the following record:

Games = 1,382
At Bats = 4,877
Runs = 947
Hits = 1,518
Doubles = 273
Triples = 54
Home Runs = 137
Batting Average = .311


Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, his first year of eligibility.

A sculpture on the monument depicts a life-size statue of Jackie Robinson wearing a Montréal baseball uniform without a cap. Two children stand nearby. He is holding the hand of the nearest child. A plaque on the monument is inscribed in French:


JACKIE ROBINSON
1919 - 1972

DANS L'ESPIRIT DES MONTRÉALAIS JACKIE ROBINSON DEMEURERA TOUJOURS
UN SYMBOLE D'EXCELLENCE DE COURAGE ET DE PERSÉVÉRANCE.
PREMIER JOUEUR DE COULEUR À ÉVOLUER DAN LES LIGUES MAJEURES
IL LÉGUA SA GLORIE AUX SIENS ET À TOUT LE BASEBALL ET SE MÉRITA
UNE PLACE IMPORTANTE PARMI LES IMMORTELS DU BASEBALL.
CE MONUMENT FUT INAUGURÉ LE 16 MAI 1887 PAR MADAME RACHEL ROBINSON
VEUVE DE JACKIE ROBINSON EN PRESENCE DES AUTORITÉS MUNICIPALES DE LA
VILLE DE MONTRÉAL ET DU CLUB DE BASEBALL LTÉE LES EXPOS.

Plaque

JACKIE ROBINSON

1919 - 1972

IN THE SPIRIT OF MONTREALERS JACKIE ROBINSON WILL ALWAYS REMAIN
A SYMBOL OF EXCELLENCE OF COURAGE AND PERSEVERANCE.
FIRST PLAYER OF COLOR TO ENTER THE MAJOR LEAGUES
HE BEQUEATHED HIS GLORY TO HIS FAMILY AND ALL BASEBALL AND WON
A PLACE IMPORTANT AMONG THE IMMORTALS OF BASEBALL.
THIS MONUMENT WAS INAUGURATED ON MAY 16, 1887, BY MRS. RACHEL ROBINSON
WIDOW OF JACKIE ROBINSON IN THE PRESENCE OF MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES OF THE
CITY OF MONTREAL AND THE EXPOS BASEBALL CLUB.

Philatelic Photograph: St. Joseph's Oratory - Montréal, PQ, Canada

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St. Joseph's Oratory

Montréal, PQ, Canada

Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N45° 29.457; W073° 37.009

Quick Description: 

St Joseph's Oratory is located at 3800 Chemin Queen Mary, Montréal, PQ, Canada.

Long Description: 

Saint Joseph's Oratory is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and shrine and is Canada's largest church. In 1904, Brother André Bessette, C.S.C., began the construction of St. Joseph's chapel on the west slope of Mont Royal. Soon a church with a larger seating capacity was required. In 1924, the construction of the present basilica of Saint Joseph's Oratory began. The church was opened to the public forty-three years later in 1967. 

The building was designed in the Renaissance style by Paul Bellot, Lucien Parent, Dalbé Viau, and Alphonse Venne. The characteristic feature of the basilica is the 406' high copper dome designed by Paul Bellot. It is third largest church dome in the world. The church is the highest point in the City of Montréal.

The basilica is dedicated to Saint Joseph one of the patron saints of Canada and the saint to whom Brother André credited his reported healing miracles. In October 2010 Pope Benedict XVI canonized Brother André Bessette.

The die cut stamp was issued by Canada on January 29, 2004 as part of the Tourist Attraction Series that began in 2001.

Philatelic Photograph: Basilica of Notre Dame - Montréal, PQ, Canada

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Basilica of Notre Dame

Montréal, PQ, Canada

Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N45° 30.278; W073° 33.410

Quick Description: 

Basilica of Notre Dame is located at rue 100 Notre-Dame Street at the corner of St. Sulpice St. in the Old Montréal area of March 12, 1976, Canada.

Long Description:

The Gothic Revival style Basilica of Notre Dame is a Roman Catholic church. Construction of the church began in 1823 on the site of a church built in 1672. It was dedicated on July 15, 1829. The church was designed by James O'Donnell, an Irish-American Protestant from New York, and features large twin towers and a Gothic-arched recessed portico. It is operated by the Sulpician Order who first came to Montréal in 1657.

The church is 259 feet' long, 151 feet wide and the twin towers reach a height of 200 feet. The Basilica of Notre-Dame is registered as a National Historic Site of Canada on February 24, 1989.

The stamp was issued in Canada on March 12, 1976 in conjunction with the 21st Olympic Games held in Montréal during the summer of 1976. It depicts the emblem of Montréal Olympic Games, a high-rise building, and the Basilica of Notre-Dame.