Building on the early acquisitions, further additions were made to the collection beginning in 1873. This period saw the government making purchases from the annual exhibitions of the fledgling Ontario Society of Artists (OSA).

This proved to be an important initiative for the collection, as well as precedent setting support for Ontario artists.

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Ontario Society of Artists, 1904
Photographer: unknown
Reference Code: F 1140-7-0-2.1
Archives of Ontario, I0010423

While this activity ceased in 1914, several hundred works had been acquired. A number of them, including The Vale of Tintern, 1893 by Gertrude Spurr Cutts and Flower Market, Paris, 1900 by Clara Sophia Hagarty reflect subject matter encountered in Europe.

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The Vale of Tintern, 1893
Gertrude Spurr Cutts, O.S.A., A.R.C.A. (1858-1941)
Oil on canvas
Government of Ontario Art Collection, 622089

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Flower Market, Paris, 1900
Clara Sophia Hagarty, O.S.A., A.R.C.A. (1871-1958)
Oil on canvas
Government of Ontario Art Collection, 622097

Many Canadian artists of this period studied abroad in the art schools and academies of Europe and increasingly, women artists were to be found among their ranks.

Also notable are a number of paintings executed by future members of the Group of Seven such as J. E. H. MacDonald's By the River, Early Spring of 1911.

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By the River, (Early Spring), 1911
J. E. H. MacDonald, O.S.A., R.C.A. (1873-1932)
Oil on canvas
Government of Ontario Art Collection, 622106

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The Clearing, 1913
Arthur Lismer, O.S.A., R.C.A., C.G.P. (1885-1969)
Oil on canvas
Government of Ontario Art Collection, 622110

Another example is Arthur Lismer's The Clearing of 1913. British born Lismer came to Canada in 1911 and over the next few years was to become acquainted with the other artists who would form the Group in 1920.

The Clearing most likely depicts a scene recorded by Lismer on one of his Sunday sketching trips to York Mills. Located just north of Toronto, it was a favourite haunt at the time of Lismer and fellow artist, Tom Thomson.

The records of the OSA, including details of members and meetings, provide a fascinating account of the Society's activities since its founding in 1872. These records are held by the Archives of Ontario (Ontario Society of Artists fonds F 1140).