Joanne Tod (b. 1953) is a renowned Canadian painter acclaimed for her unwavering approach to realism, technical precision, and critical wit. She is also one of the country's most celebrated living portrait artists.
Tod has frequently depicted institutional buildings such as banks, museums, and post offices to explore the architecture of authority and trust. These essential urban institutions shape our lives whether we acknowledge them or not. In her paintings, decorative elements such as columns and classical façades convey importance and permanence, while demanding our respect or even dependence. Tod highlights the aesthetic characteristics of these edifices, showing how power can be conveyed through beauty and awe.
This painting is a portrait of the New York Life Insurance building, located at Place d'Armes in Old Montreal. The city was once known as a powerhouse of commerce, particularly in the 19th century, with most of the corporate headquarters based in this area. At the time of completion, circa 1899, this building was the tallest structure in the city and one of the most prestigious office buildings. Today this structure remains impressive, standing out with its striking red sandstone exterior, elegant clock tower and lavish interior.Â
Tod is originally from Montreal, so her Place d'Armes paintings have a special resonance for her. See another painting from the series here.
Tod captures the decorative features of the historic building in "New York Life." Painting in her signature realist style, she treats each surface with care, applying thin layers of paint to amplify the brighter hues. The veined marble dances alongside curved and impressive wrought-iron motifs, as the surfaces throughout glow. Tod's rendition of this doorway is captivating in its sense of depth, decoration, and warm glow.
Tod's expert treatment of light is exemplified in this canvas. The transition from natural light beyond the glass doors, to warm light in the foyer, and cooler light in the main space is balanced seamlessly. This painting is a paradigm of Todâs ability to amplify interiors into charged, almost theatrical settings or portals. For Tod, portraying deep space is as much as a subject sitting for a portrait.
With her signature handling of perspective and light, Todd creates environments that draw the gaze past surface detail into recesses full of mystery. These spaces carry a weight of presence, reminding us that emptiness itself can be inhabited.
Joanne Tod's works can be found in most major public institutions across Canada, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), and the MusĂ©e des beaux-arts de MontrĂ©al.Â
Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery.
"New York Life"
Canada, 2025
Oil on canvas
72"H 54"W
Signed, titled, and dated, verso
Very good condition
Note: The price is $75,000 CAD
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