Joseph Guardo: October 2012

Rare Photos - The art of Joseph Guardo during his early years

Rare Archival photos taken during the 1920's and 1930's showing exquisite samples of his art, completed both while he still resided in Italy, and shortly after he had arrived in Montréal, Canada in 1926. Please note that at the time he was known as P. (Peppino) Guardo.

Film Exchange Building, Montreal - (1930)

Saint Bartholemy Primary School - Montreal (1931)

Joseph Guardo (to the right in photo) in front of panel - Montreal (1931)

School Pediment (possibly in Verdun) - (1935)

Saint Celestine Chapel, Quebec City (1929)

Set of Reliefs based on the Theme of Seasons - 'Spring' (1927)

Set of Reliefs based on the Theme of Seasons - 'Summer' (1927)

Set of Reliefs based on the Theme of Season - 'Autumn' (1927)

Representation of the 8th level of the Divine Comedy

Dawn or Aurora Allegory

While managing his own studio in Floridia, Italy during the early 1920's he sculpted a series of panels representing different scenes from Othello that he had made into Postcards such as the one shown below.

Postcard 'recto'

Postcard 'verso'

Tribute to the fallen soldier......Floridiao, Italy

Joseph Guardo - Another Forgotten Michelangelo?

The art of Canadian sculptor Joseph Guardo, who died in 1978, is absolutely stunning. He was an accomplished artist and sculptor with a vast body of work, who used all types of media such as Bronze, Marble, Ceramics,Wood, Stone, Plaster, Clay, Oil, Inks,Watercolor, Charcoal, etc. Samples of his work, of both a religious and secular nature, can still be found in religious institutions, schools, private collections, cinemas, cemeteries, public squares, and on commercial buildings all across Canada, in parts of the United States and elsewhere in the world. It is puzzling to find that his work and reputation is still not more well known, and he has never received the true accolades he so justly deserves.

As a patron of the arts once stated "He could be considered one of the Michelangelo's of our times.....".

Early last year, one of his works of art, a 32' high by 26'6" wide Tableau (Painting on Canvas) located in the Former Saint Louis de France Church in Montreal, was torn down and thrown away by the new owners of the church before efforts to save it could be completed. Such a great loss, especially given that there have been other instances of his work being lost due to neglect, lack of funds, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Black and white image of Tableau behind Alter - 1952

It brings me to this profound question: How can we stop this from happening again and how can we ensure that Joseph Guardo finally get the acknowledgement he is due? I guess the answer is to be determined......

Below I have included just a very few samples which demonstrate the skill and the passion he had for his art. Enjoy!

Cemetery Monument - Montreal

Grouping at the Beauvoir Sanctuary

Statue for public area

Saint Cecile Cathedral in Valleyfield

Sketch of Shepherd for Nativity at Oratory

Sketch of one of Wise men for Nativity scene at Oratory

Private Collections - 1932


Private Collections - 1931

Bonsecours Chapel in Montreal - Marguerite Bourgeoys (1958)

Saint Dominique Church - Quebec City

Private Collections

Joseph Guardo Sketchbook - 1930's

We continue working on documenting the life and art of sculptor Joseph Guardo. Our most recent discovery is a priceless sketchbook from 1930-1932 which includes a number of drawings related to various projects he was involved with during the early 1930's shortly after his arrival in Montreal from Italy. At the time he signed his name P. (for Peppino) Guardo. Based on these designs, if you look closely, you can still find works of art displayed around the city and elsewhere. For example on the exterior of schools, apartment buildings, banks, churches, cinemas, etc. Enjoy!

The Guardo Family

Location unknown

Montreal (Guy Street) - Commercial building

Bank of Montreal Shield

Valleyfield - Basilique-Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile

Québec City - Église Saint Dominique

School Entrance - Location Unknown

Montréal - Cinéma Le Château

The Last Day of Corinth

Last Day of Corinth

Another interesting development this week with the discovery that Joseph Guardo, under the moniker Giuseppe (Peppino) Guardo, sculpted a Decorative Relief Panel in 1928/1929 representing the Last Day of Corinth. As per the description he wrote (in Italian) on the back of a rare photo from the period, it was based on a picture of the original Painting. We are aware of at least three copies held in Private collections, and have included photos of them, along with a photo of the original Painting currently displayed at the Musée d'Orsay in France. Also included, is a link to the museum website.