Confederation (the political union of the British North American colonies) in 1867 fostered a burst of cultural nationalism and industrial growth.

Canadian painters, sculptors and architects established art schools and exhibiting societies. In 1880 the RCA was formed by the Marquess of Lorne, Governor General of Canada. Each elected member was required to donate a "diploma work" and these paintings, sculptures and drawings founded the basis of the collections of the National Gallery of Canada, founded that same year.

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