Two architects, six priests, thirteen doctors, and two artists who came to specialize in the City of Lights appear in this photograph.

Ernest Girard (1873-1897), an artist (in the centre), looks strangely like his father Octave, a goldsmith. We can also see a friend in this photograph: Dr. Charles Numa de Blois (2nd row, 2nd from the right).

Ernest Girard began stone engraving in Montreal, then left for Toronto and settled in Buffalo. Wishing to hone his skills, he chose to study in Paris, where he devoted himself to drawing, engraving, and painting. He reportedly participated in the decoration of the Paris city hall.

Several of his artistic engravings and drawings were published in Le Monde Illustré.

Suffering from respiratory problems for years, he died in Paris on September 18, 1897, of pulmonary tuberculosis. He was only 24 years old.

Donation from Dr. Conrad Godin
Musée Pierre-Boucher Collection
1982 272 F