Lionel Stephenson

Lionel MacDonald Stephenson was a British-born artist who worked in Winnipeg during the late 19th century, specializing in historical paintings of local military subjects. Born in France but educated at an English military college, Stephenson served in the British Army in India before immigrating to Canada in 1885 and settling in Winnipeg. He remained there until 1892, then moved to Chicago where he died in 1907.

Stephenson is known for his naive oil paintings depicting Fort Garry and other regional military subjects, which he sold primarily to Eastern troops during the period of the North-West Rebellion. His works included historical representations of Upper Fort Garry and a painting of the execution of Thomas Scott in 1870 that was widely reproduced. These paintings served as souvenirs or mementos for soldiers and travelers, representing scenes from recent local history during a period of military activity in the region.