Mary Riter Hamilton (September 7, 1867 - April 5, 1954) was a renowned Canadian painter who made a significant impact on the art world both in Europe and across Canada. Despite facing challenges due to her gender and geographical location, Hamilton's talent and dedication to her craft shone through in her impressive body of work.
Mary's family settled in Clearwater, Manitoba. At the age of 18, in 1889, she married Charles W. Hamilton, a merchant. Tragically, her husband passed away after only four years of marriage. Following this, Hamilton turned to her artistic talents as a means of expression and livelihood. She began by painting china and watercolours. With that as her foundation she then gained invaluable experience in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. She studied with esteemed teachers in France and England and gained international recognition at prestigious events such as the Paris Salon and the Royal Academy.
However, Hamilton's commitment to family brought her back to Winnipeg, as her mother's health began to decline. Fortunately, her artistic career did not end there. Driven by a desire to contribute to Canada's history, she returned to Europe as a war artist, capturing the devastating aftermath of World War I particularly from Vimy Ridge and Lens-Arras Road. Hamilton's passion for her work was evident in her decision to donate her battlefield paintings to The Public Archives of Canada in Ottawa, ensuring that her art would be preserved for future generations.
In her later years, Hamilton struggled with financial difficulties and failing eyesight, yet her determination to share her art with Canada never wavered. She spent the last chapter of her life in Vancouver, embodying resilience and creativity until her passing in 1954.
Mary Riter Hamilton's legacy as “Canada's First Woman Artist” continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. Her dedication to portraying the beauty and tragedy of war through her unique artistic vision remains a testament to her enduring impact on the art world.