SCULPTURE
Date20th century
Dimensions22 x 21.5 x 13 cm
Object numberHF.81.154.5
DescriptionA sculpted bust of a man created by Island folk artist, Arthur MacNeill. The man has been identified as Premier John Angus MacLean. Premier MacLean is depicted in a grey suit and white shirt wearing a grey tie with red stripe. He has black and grey hair, blue eyes, large ears and wrinkles on his forehead. He is also wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses with plastic lenses. Narrative
Arthur MacNeill (b.1926) was a sculptor and woodcarver, working with "as found" materials. MacNeill was known for producing artworks that depicted people at play and at their occupations. Elongated faces are a stylistic element that can be seen in many examples of MacNeill's work. Folk art styles are unique to the people of a specific location. The art is used as an expression of that specific society. For MacNeill, his works consists of representations of the Island's way of life, which is obvious in this sculpture of the Island Premier, John Angus MacLean.
Premier MacLean (1914-2000) began his political career in federal politics when he was elected to Parliament in 1951. MacLean joined the provincial Conservative party in 1976 and led the party to victory in 1979, becoming became PEI's 25th Premier. MacLean served as Premier from 1979 until 1981, when he resigned.
