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The 4 Most Famous Claude Tousignant Paintings, a Gallery Selection
Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 12 works by Claude Tousignant in our catalogue
In short
Of all the originals Claude Tousignant left, the most famous is Asparagus (1955), in the collection of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa. Close behind it come Ussimimique (1951) and Monochrome Crimson (1981). Our catalog holds 12 works by Claude Tousignant; the gallery has kept the 4 the world admires most, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
born 1932, Montreal
Most works: National Gallery of Canada
Claude Tousignant's top 10 paintings: the gallery's choice
The museums that keep Claude Tousignant's originals
The museum that holds the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Claude Tousignant | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 National Gallery of Canada |
Ottawa | 4 | Asparagus, Ussimimique, Monochrome Crimson |
Claude Tousignant year by year: the originals that define each
From 1951 to 1989, Claude Tousignant worked for 39 years: the selection follows that long career year by year, through its finest originals.
Works per year
Pick a year to see its originals.
Collectors' questions about Claude Tousignant's paintings
Which work is Claude Tousignant most famous for?Reveal the answer
Asparagus (1955), National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa. Ussimimique (1951) and Monochrome Crimson (1981) come next.
What age was Claude Tousignant when Asparagus was made?Reveal the answer
23 years old: Asparagus dates from 1955, and Claude Tousignant was born in 1932.
How many paintings did Claude Tousignant leave?Reveal the answer
Our catalog holds 12 works by Claude Tousignant, dated from 1951 to 1989.
In which museums do Claude Tousignant's masterpieces hang?Reveal the answer
Mostly in National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa). The museum table above lists them all.
What are the first and the last famous originals of Claude Tousignant?Reveal the answer
On this page, the earliest is Ussimimique (1951) and the latest Bas-relief in Blue and Yellow (1989).
Which Claude Tousignant works hang at the National Gallery of Canada?Reveal the answer
Asparagus, Ussimimique and Monochrome Crimson: the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa holds 4 of the works on this page.
Claude Tousignant: life and work
The Evolution of Geometric Abstraction
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Claude Tousignant emerged as a significant figure in the development of geometric abstraction in Canada. His artistic journey began with formal studies at the School of Art and Design at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, where he studied under several notable instructors. Seeking further refinement, he traveled to Paris to study at the Académie Ranson before returning to Montreal in 1952.
As a member of the second generation of the modern art movement in Montreal known as les Plasticiens, Tousignant embraced a philosophy where painting was viewed as pure form and colour. In this pursuit, he sought to avoid spontaneous expression or specific meaning. By 1962, he introduced the circle—a motif that would become his signature—into his geometric compositions, masterfully utilizing alternating values of complementary colours in his circle and target paintings.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Throughout a career spanning over seven decades, Tousignant has been a creative force in Montreal. His work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the globe, including presentations at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Art Gallery of Ontario. His artistic legacy is preserved in several prestigious museum collections, such as:
- National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa
- Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
- Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal
- Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, Quebec City
- Vancouver Art Gallery, British Columbia
His contributions to the arts have earned him significant accolades, including the Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts and being named an Officer of the Order of Canada. He is also a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.