Jean-Julien Bourgault. Sculptor. Wood carver. Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Quebec. Active mid to late 20th century.
Invited into Medard Bourgault’s studio in 1931, Jean-Julien gradually became focused on religious works and studio carvings. Unlike Medard who specialized in religious works, J. J. Bourgault’s range was always varied. He became known for his large relief carvings of traditional Quebec scenes such as farmers in their fields and in the bush. (One of the most impressive carvings that I have seen by Jean-Julien Bourgault, is a seated carving of the Buddha, in Butternut. About 44 inches high, it was carved in the early 1960’s.)
An image of Jean-Julien Bourgault with his sister Yvonne. At work in St-Jean-Port-Joli in the late 1930’s. From the Gauvreau Book (Artisans du Quebec, Les Editions du Bien Public, 1940.):
Jean-Julien and Yvonne Bourgault From Gauvreau.
There were many sculptors and wood carvers working in Quebec who were members of the Saint-Jean-Port-Joli family of Bourgaults. Both male and female. There were siblings of the original three brothers,as well as nieces and nephews, the children of the three brothers and cousins. And also we mustn’t forget their ancestors. The work of Medard, Andre and Jean-Julien is saturated with old skills and memories.
” Capt. Tilou”. A relief carving by J.J. Bourgault. 1981:
Jean-Julien Bourgault. Relief carving Capt. Tilou. 1981.
His mark:
J. j. Bourgault. His mark.
Shown here are two exceptional figural carvings by Jean-Julien Bourgault. Note the faces of the couple.
Wood carvings of a Quebec Man and Woman by Jean-Julien Bourgault. 1950’s:
jean-julien-bourgault-carvings-of-a-quebec-man-and-woman-c-1950
The mark of Jean-J. Bourgault. In script:
The mark of Jean Julien Bourgault in script.
A close-up of the carved faces by J.-J. Bourgault:
A detail of a carving of a man by J.J. Bourgault. Early 1950’s.
The Woman:
A detail of the Woman’s face by J. J. Bourgault. Early 1950’s.
Ref:https://www.lattisee.com/actualites/view/1451
A link to and article about the 2017 Exhibition of Jean-Julien Bourgault’s life and works.
Ref: Bourgault, Jean-Julien – Répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec (gouv.qc.ca)
A link to an article about Jean-Julien Bourgault on the Quebec Directory of Cultural Heritage.
