Armand Tatossian Armenian Canadian, 1948-2012

"Saint-Henri, Montreal" by Armand Tatossian is a richly textured representation of a winter day in the historic Saint-Henri neighborhood. In this painting, the essence of a cold, snowy day is captured with a delicate interplay of light and shadow. The snow blankets the ground, rooftops, and stairs, softening the urban landscape with a quiet hush.

Two figures are seen walking away from the viewer, adding a human element to the urban setting and providing a sense of scale. They seem bundled up against the cold, with one figure in a red coat that vividly stands out against the muted winter colors. Their presence introduces a narrative element, perhaps of daily life or companionship in the chill of winter.

The architecture is characteristic of Montreal's residential streets, with row houses, external staircases, and flat-roofed buildings. Tatossian’s use of impasto, where paint is laid on an area of the surface in very thick layers, gives the work a three-dimensional quality and emphasizes the weight of the snow and the solidity of the buildings.

The artist has chosen a palette that reflects the chill of winter but also the warmth of the city — cool blues and whites for the snow contrast with the warmer tones of the buildings. The play of light suggests a late afternoon setting, with long shadows and a soft glow that hints at the sun's struggle against the winter sky.

Overall, the painting is a vibrant snapshot of city life during winter, evoking the unique atmosphere of Montreal’s neighborhoods with a sense of intimacy and immediacy.