From November 7 to 28, 2023 (Closed)

Left: James Duncan, French Cathedral - Place d'Armes, Montreal, 1839. M2001X.6.50.5, McCord Stewart Museum
Right: Basilique Notre-Dame, Montreal, 2023 © Roger Aziz

Photo Contest – Becoming Montreal: Before/After

Contest closed, thank you for your submissions!

Until November 28, capture the Montreal of today, inspired by the Montreal of yesterday, with Montreal Then and Now! Take inspiration from the historic watercolours by James Duncan, THE painter of 19th-century Montreal, and find the closest—or most contrasting—current view of the city! You could win a camera and other prizes.

Post your best shot, as well as the Duncan work that inspired you on Instagram, with hashtag #MtlAvantApres. Don’t forget to tag @museemccordstewart and @montreal.thenandnow.

In collaboration with Montreal Then and Now.

Congrats to the winners!

  • © Mariela Fernandez
  • © Jorge Luis Montilla
  • © Freddy Arcinieagas
  • ©  Cassandra Reyes

Prizes

  • Grand prize ($945 value)
    A Canon R100 camera valued at $800, offered by Royal Photo
    An annual Member+1 membership.
    The book James Duncan (1806-1881) – Peintre de Montréal
  • Prizes for the 3 finalists : An annual Member +1 membership to the Museum.

Take inspiration from the scenes by painter James Duncan

Take inspiration from the Montreal landscapes and scenes by painter James Duncan! A chronicler of his time, James Duncan is known for his watercolours, which provide a unique insight into pre-photographic Montreal.

Visit the exhibition Becoming Montreal: The 1800s Painted by Duncan and discover a hundred historic Montreal landscapes to reproduce. Maybe you’ll find the one that’ll win you the grand prize!

  • Left: James Duncan, <em>Champ de Mars, Montreal,</em> 1839. M2001X.6.50.41, McCord Stewart Museum<br>
Right: <em>Champ-de-Mars, Montreal,</em> 2023  © Roger Aziz
  • Left: James Duncan, <em>City of Montreal from the Mountain, Montreal,</em> 1839. M2001X.6.50.45, McCord Stewart Museum
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RIght: <em>View from the Mont Royal, Montréal,</em> 2023  © Roger Aziz
  • Left: James Duncan, <em>New Market & Nelson's Monument, Montreal,</em> 1839. M2001X.6.50.34, McCord Stewart Museum
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Right: <em>Nelson’s Monument, Montreal, </em>2023 © Roger Aziz
Thanks to our partners

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