Engraving
Scottish dancer
John Henry Walker (1831-1899)
1850-1885, 19th century
Ink on paper on supporting paper - Wood engraving
22.9 x 11.5 cm
Gift of Mr. David Ross McCord
M930.50.8.183
© McCord Museum
Description
Keywords:  Figure (1339) , Figure (1339) , Print (10661)

Description

This print depicting a dancer in a traditional outfit evokes the Scottish origins of numerous Canadian immigrants. Deeply attached to their traditions, many of these new Canadians transmitted their culture from generation to generation, particularly through literature, music and dance.

The 19th century saw a huge influx of Scottish immigration to Canada. Many of these Scots, who came from very diverse backgrounds, soon found themselves in the front ranks of Canadian trade and politics. John A. MacDonald and Alexander Mackenzie, the first two men to be elected to the post of Prime Minister of Canada, were of Scottish origin. During the 1880s, nearly half of the country's manufacturers also hailed from Scotland.