PROVENANCE
Douglas Udell Gallery, Vancouver
Acquired from the above by the present Private Collection, Vancouver

EXHIBITED
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Arena: The Art of Hockey, April 5 – June 8, 2008

Joe Fafard captures the quiet intensity and enduring spirit of one of hockey’s greatest legends, Henri Richard of the Montreal Canadiens, in this bronze sculpture. Known for his astute ability to humanize his subjects, Fafard imbues Richard here with a remarkable depth of character, blending realism with a subtle touch of introspection. This work is a testament to both Fafard’s artistic genius and the cultural significance of hockey in Canada.

Part of a long family line with ties to France and French Canada, Fafard grew up on a farm in Sainte-Marthe, a French-Canadian and Métis settlement in southern Saskatchewan. His early work often explored rural life, but over time, his subject matter expanded to include prominent historical and cultural figures. Fafard’s approach to sculpture was deeply personal—his works are at once intimate and accessible, inviting viewers to engage with their subjects on a human level.

In Henri, Fafard depicts the legendary Montreal Canadiens centre in a moment of quiet reflection, seated on a block, hockey stick in hand. The detailing is exquisite—Henri’s weathered face, his well-worn skates, and the folds of his iconic Canadiens uniform, adorned with the unmistakable logo and Richard’s number 16, all convey the physical and emotional weight of a life dedicated to the sport. Fafard’s portrayal consecrates its subject while also humanizing it. Fafard inscribes the exhaustion, the contemplation, and the unspoken wisdom accumulated through years of dedication on Richard’s face. Casting a figure in bronze is its own alchemy, which turns the subject from a man into a symbol—commenting on the passage of time, the sacrifices of athletes, and the profound impact of sport on Canadian identity.

Henri was slighter in build than his brother, Montreal legend Maurice “Rocket” Richard, which earned Henri the nickname “Pocket Rocket,” a moniker he resented. Despite living in the long shadow of his older brother, who was perhaps the greatest goal scorer to play the game, Henri distinguished himself as a tenacious playmaker, with superior stick-handling, passing and skating technique and an unassailable competitive drive. He remains one of the most accomplished players in NHL history, winning an unprecedented 11 Stanley Cups from 1956 to 1973, which, alongside Bill Russell of the NBA, is the most championships won by any athlete in professional North American sports. Richard captained the Canadiens between 1971 and 1975 and scored two Stanley Cup clinching game-winners as well as a Game 7 Stanley Cup–winning goal, embodying the heart and soul of the Canadiens’ mythic dynasty.

Henri stands as a significant work within Fafard’s oeuvre. The unique clay version of this sculpture was among the few pieces Fafard kept in his studio, along with the clay sculpture of his father, Mon Pere. A rare and compelling work that embodies Fafard’s sculptural mastery and his deep connection to Canadian heritage, Henri is a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Canada’s greatest game and one of its most revered players.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars