It is a sad but beautiful story, and it is all founded on facts. Not only was there such a village as Grand-Pré with just such people living in it, but it is also true that in 1755 King George II of England sent his fleet to scatter them among the other British provinces. He believed that these people aided the Indians and, because of the almost independent character of the colony, embarrassed the local government.
As we read the story we cannot but be glad that Mr. Taylor chose the Evangeline of the happy days of Grand-Pré, rather than any other picture of her that he might have shown us.
The soft tones in the picture are especially pleasing, as well as the few strong notes of color in the dresses and the houses. The perspective of the road is made interesting by the figures in it, as well as by the houses and trees on each side. Note the difference in size of the various figures according to their distance. This makes the road appear longer and more winding.
Questions to help the pupil understand the picture. Where did Evangeline live? Describe the village of Grand-Pré. Of what nationality were most of the people? How did they happen to be under English rule? What special privileges were they given? Who was the British king at the time of this story? Why did he wish to dispose of the Acadians? How did he do this? What became of the village? of the houses? of the people? their cattle, horses, sheep? Who was Evangeline? Gabriel? Basil the blacksmith? What event was to take place the day the king’s proclamation was read? Where was the proclamation read? What effect did it have upon the men? upon the women? What part of the story is represented in the picture? If you were to draw just one picture from this story, which would you choose? why?
The story of the artist. As in the case of so many of our living artists, we know very little of the details of Mr. Taylor’s life. We do know that William Ladd Taylor was born at Grafton, Massachusetts, December 10, 1854, and that most of his education was received at Worcester, Massachusetts. He attended art schools in Boston and New York, and studied one year in Paris, France. He has traveled extensively, making a special study of mediæval architecture, costumes, and customs.
Owing to ill health, Mr. Taylor spent a year in Colorado, which proved most beneficial. There he produced several paintings, two of the best known being “The Caribou Hunter” and “Shooting the Rapids.” Mr. Taylor has lived most of his life in or near Boston.
He has painted a series of pictures representing nineteenth-century New England; a series of pictures of the pioneer West; and the Longfellow series, including “Evangeline,” “Minnehaha and Hiawatha,” “The Village Blacksmith,” “The Hanging of the Crane,” “Maidenhood,” “The Old Clock on the Stairs,” “The Building of the Ship,” “Priscilla and John Alden,” “The Children’s Hour,” and others. Other paintings are the Psalm Series; Old Song Series; Our Home and Country, a book of pictures of American life; “The Earl’s Return,” illustrating Owen Meredith’s poem; and “Rosita,” illustrating Bret Harte’s The Mystery of the Hacienda.
Questions about the artist. Who painted this picture? Where was he born? What education did he receive? Name some of his best paintings.