Gaze upon this bronze figure. This is the Édouard Montpetit Sculpture. It stands as a testament to a remarkable man. Édouard Montpetit a prominent figure in Montreal’s history. He was a lawyer economist and sociologist.
The life-sized bronze statue depicts Montpetit seated. He appears thoughtful contemplative perhaps lost in the complexities of societal issues. Behind him rise three imposing monoliths. They symbolize the three disciplines Montpetit dedicated his life to. Law economics and sociology. The monoliths are quite tall. They stand at 4.8 4.2 and 3.9 meters high respectively.
The sculpture wasn’t created overnight. It was unveiled in 1967 thirteen years after Montpetit’s death. The talented Montreal sculptor Sylvia Daoust created it. She was assisted by Gaétan Therrien. The bronze was cast in New York by Roman Bronze Works Inc. This company specializes in lost wax casting. a highly skilled technique.
This isn’t just a simple statue. Daoust carefully considered the surroundings. The Indiana limestone base complements the ocher brick buildings. The monoliths strategically isolate the sculpture from the surrounding structures. They make it stand out. The sculpture is situated between the J-A-DeSève pavilion and student residences. It’s a visible landmark. You can see it from the street or from the top of the nearby staircase.
Édouard Montpetit’s legacy extends far beyond this sculpture. He founded the École des sciences sociales économiques et politiques. This school later became the Faculty of Social Sciences in 1972. He also taught at the Faculty of Law and HEC Montréal. His impact resonated through Quebec. His influence continues to shape the University of Montreal.
Sylvia Daoust remained true to her model. However she didn’t produce a simple copy. The result is a refined expressive piece. The sculpture showcases her mastery of bronze and stone. The abstract forms of the monoliths add a modern touch. This blends the past and the present. It’s a beautiful tribute to a man who shaped his time. It is truly a work of art. It is a memorable piece of Montreal’s public art collection.