Wilfrid Richard. Sculptor. Saint-Ubalde, Portneuf, Quebec. Active mid 20th century.
The son of Damase Richard. Unlike many earlier artists; Wilfrid Richard was recognized during his lifetime. He continued the carving tradition began by his father and other unknown Quebec folk artists. He sculpted animals and birds as well as people (usually in the form of ‘bas reliefs’ or relief carvings). He carved with great charm and feeling and always painted in ‘as found’ glossy oil paint.
If you are looking at an unsigned work, and wondering about the provenance, there is a detail about the carvings of both Damase and Wilfrid Richard worth mentioning; the eyes of the animals are never applied but always carved and with a circle carved around the eye-ball. Some years ago I collected a signed (with his usual ‘W.R.’) relief carving by Wilfrid Richard. It was of a Monk, strolling along with a jug or crock. It was of pine and dark varnished but not painted. When he did sign a work it was often simply a ‘W’ and an ‘R’ on two of the feet, and in lead pencil and these marks were prone to wearing off. Please see the article on Damase Richard. Wilfrid Richard was also known to have made painted and decorated shelves (with flowers and birds).
Wilfrid Richard had three siblings, all brothers, who also sculpted. Two of them were ; Alfred Richard (1896-1990), Joseph Richard (b. 1887).
The family continues to work and thrive as artists and sculptors. Wilfrid Richard’s daughter Marie-Jeanne Lavallee, his grandson Paul-Emile Lavallee and another grandson, Dominique Lavallee.
I am posting the link to ‘The Encyclopedia of French Cultural Heritage in North America’ web site and their article on the Richard family of artists:
http://www.ameriquefrancaise.org/en/article-470/Animal_Folk_Art.html
A carving of a spotted dog by Wilfrid Richard:
Carving of a Spotted Dog by Wilfrid Richard
And a Cow:
Wood Carving of a Holstien Cow by Wilfrid Richard
A carving of an Zebra by Wilfrid Richard:
Wilfrid Richard. Carving of a Zebra.
The ‘W’. ‘R’. mark of Wilfrid Richard on the feet of a carving; in pencil:
Detail. Wilfrid Richard’s mark on the feet of a carving.
A carving of a Flicker by Wilfrid Richard:
Flicker by Wilfrid Richard. Saint-Ubalde, Quebec.
A Goat by Wilfrid Richard:
Wilfrid Richard. Carved Goat.
There are a number of carved and painted shelves attributed to Wilfrid Richard. I have never seen a signed one.
This is an example:
Wilfrid Richard. Carved and painted Pine shelf.
