Jonathan Wener has dedicated five decades to seeking out the lost artworks of his great-great-grandfather, William Raphael. The 19th-century artist from Montreal is renowned for his portrayals of French settlers known as “les habitants,” showcasing glimpses of a bygone era: a woman in a frilly bonnet washing clothes in a wooden bucket, and the bustling Bonsecours Market with shoppers carrying straw baskets against a wintry backdrop.
Despite being cherished by art connoisseurs and historians, Wener believes that his great-great-grandfather did not receive the recognition he deserved. Determined to elevate Raphael’s place in Canadian art history, Wener expressed his conviction that Raphael was unjustly overlooked.
Sara Angel, an art historian and executive director of the Art Canada Institute, lauded Raphael as one of the few Canadian artists who documented life in late 19th-century Canada. She highlighted Raphael as the first known Jewish artist in Canada and underscored the importance of his work in providing a historical record.
Wener’s relentless pursuit of his ancestor’s artworks has yielded unexpected discoveries in Europe and the United States. Notably, he uncovered a painting depicting a Montreal haymarket, shedding light on the city’s past. Collaborating with art dealer Alan Klinkhoff, Wener has unearthed hidden gems, including a notable piece showcasing Victoria Square’s historical significance.
Raphael’s renowned painting of the Bonsecours Market fetched over $300,000 at auction, surpassing expectations and ultimately landing in the National Gallery of Canada’s collection. Wener’s passion for Raphael’s legacy extends to unusual places, such as a convent where he stumbled upon a trove of 100 paintings by his great-great-grandfather.
With a collection now exceeding 150 pieces, Wener aims to share Raphael’s artistic legacy with the public. His aspiration includes a potential museum donation, ensuring Raphael’s works adorn gallery walls rather than languishing in archives. As efforts to spotlight Raphael’s contributions continue, Wener remains steadfast in his quest for missing pieces, signaling his unwavering commitment to preserving his ancestor’s artistic heritage.
