Robert CAMI

nce passed the staircase of the Entrance Hall, there is the Gallery, which accesses the reception and work rooms of the first floor. Overlooking the Entrance Hall, the Gallery is framed by a rounded, polished pink marble seat. The most remarkable art pieces of the Gallery are situated on the opposing wall of the seat, framed by the two monumental bronze doors, characteristic of the Embassy, a replica of the Vimy monument, sculpted by Louis Leygue, is engraved into ochre travertine.

The two bronze doors

The two monumental bronze doors that frame this striking sculpture attract attention particularly through their scale, and the perspective offered by the light on the convex two-paneled doors, which reflects the vault of the Entrance Hall. The doors’ decorations were created by Robert Cami, who created four castings on them respectively evoking remembrance, faith, family, and labour.

Detail of a bronze door handle on the west side

Door 1 : Remembrance
In this casting are symbolised, even more strongly, the deep links between France and Canada.
- A stylised young woman holding a dove and a banneret in her hand bearing Québec’s motto : “Je me souviens” (“I remember”).
- A nun evokes the role of the church in the schooling of children, and the care offered to the sick.
- A French soldier in the trenches greets a Canadian soldier landing in France to help free the country. It is an evocation of the war of 1914-1918, and more particularly, the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the 9th and 10th of April 1917, which ended in a costly, but brilliant victory for the Canadians over the Germans.

Door 2 : Faith
- In the centre, at the top, the evangelisation of the Great North of Canada, was dominated by the great figure of Bishop Gabriel Breynat, also known as the “flying Bishop” because of the transportation he used at the time (the presence of a hydroplane, and unusual posture).
- Underneath, faith in the future : lumberjack and farmer at work in front of two children
- Two trappers canoe down rapids using the North Star as their guide.
- Evangelisation of the Eskimos, and the construction of a log church.

Door 3 : Family
- A young woman surrounded by many children is witness to the essential part a mother plays in the future of the country.
- Children are being told Canada’s History by an old seaman who holds a replica of the “Grande Hermine,” the boat sailed by Jacques Cartier to Gaspé in 1534.
- In front of a log house, an early settler, still armed to protect his family, clears and tills the land.

Detail of a bronze door handle on the east side

Door 4 : Work
- Robert Cami refers to the wealth of the forests, agriculture, and cattle raising which earned Canada the title of “Empire of the woods and the wheat” through many symbolic representations.
- A miner at work.
- A young maiden lying down holds wheat and fruit.
- A buffalo symbolises the wealth and fecundity for the Indians.
- A foundry.
- An architect drawing the plans.
- Agricultural labour.
- Winter hunting.

© Embassy of France in Canada