Brockville is a historic city located on the northern shore of the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario, often called the “City of the Thousand Islands” due to its proximity to the famous island chain. In Courthouse Square, Brockville, ON, Jack Beder uses a palette of soft earth tones, cool greys, and hints of bright green and teal to highlight the architecture of the square. The blending of light and shadow across the buildings add beautiful depth and dimension to the scene.

At the centre of the composition stands the Brockville Courthouse, a Neoclassical building designed in 1842, which has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. The courthouse is surrounded by a public green space with walkways, lawns, and trees, used in the past for gatherings and community events. Around the square are several important heritage buildings, including the old jail, registry office, and former post office, all contributing to the historic character of downtown Brockville and emphasizing its role as an administrative and justice centre in the 19th century.

Executed in oil on board, the painting measures 12 x 16 inches and is signed by the artist on the lower right. It was exhibited at the Kastel Gallery in Montreal in 1980 and is featured on page 118 of Jack Beder: Life and Art in Canada (2025), published by Rookleys Canadian Art Gallery. This painting was also featured in the Jack Beder: Life and Art in Canada exhibition at Rookleys Canadian Art Gallery.