preserving the history and culture of beautiful CAPE SABLE ISLAND, Nova Scotia

ART

"The Soul's Awakening"

1899

This beautiful print is the work of British painter James Sant and it is one of his most popular prints.

Sant was a well-regarded portrait painter around the turn of the 20th century and exhibited at the Royal Academy.

This print was contributed by a local resident of Cape Island.

Visit the museum to view these and many more interesting and unique pictures and learn more about their history!

The Archelaus Smith Museum is home to a variety of art including paintings, murals and prints. Part of the collection contains paintings by Islanders, while other work was once owned by Sea Captains and fishermen who brought artwork from places visited during  travel. Thanks to those who donated art owned by ancestors, the museum now offers a good representation of pictures typically seen in homes on Cape Sable Island and surrounding areas in days past.

Here are a few of the many interesting pictures in the museum.

"The Hungarian"

  By Gerald Smith

The Hungarian, a Canadian mail steamship from Liverpool, England, while on her way to Portland, Maine with over two hundred souls on board was shipwrecked 20th of February, 1860 on the Cape Ledges - no one was saved.

( from the book "Island Memories")

A Sea Captain brought this painting home from one of his journeys.

If you know more about the history of this painting, please contact Willamae Ross, Secretary, at

902-745-3343

Thank you.

Painting by local artist

Manton Nickerson

Mr. Nickerson was deaf and mute.  His artistry was self taught and he became a leading Seascape Artist in his time.

Painting by local artist

Manton Nickerson