AndrÚ Lapine

AndrÚ Lapine came to Canada from Holland in 1905. Before he arrived he travelled extensively in Europe, painting, copying works and museums, and taking classes so that by the time he came here he was a highly skilled aritst. Initially he tried to farm in Manitoba but soon left for Toronto to work at Brigdens, one of the largest commercial art studios in Toronto, creating illustrations for Simpson's and Eaton's catalogues. Lapine became very well-known for his realistic illustrations of lace and fur. His popularity quickly grew in the arts community. Lapine's work was frequently seen on the covers of the Toronto Star Weekly and in colour sections within that publication. He was a member of the Ontario Society of Artists the Graphic Arts Club, the Toronto Arts and Letters Club and a founding member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour. By 1919, Lapine was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy. His work is in collections across Canada including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.