Sylvia Daoust, CM, CQ (24 May 1902 – July 19, 2004), born in Montreal, was one of the first female sculptors in Quebec.

Life and Work

Daoust graduated from the École des Beaux-Arts de Montréal (Montreal School of Fine Arts), but also studied in Europe. In France she studied with Henri Charlier. As well as working as a professional sculptor, she taught at the École des Beaux-Arts de Québec from 1930 to 1943, then at the École des Beaux-Arts de Montréal from 1943 to 1968.

The majority of her works are religious in content and form. They have been described as a mixture between religious classicism and realism. Her works include the Nicolas Viel bronze adorning the façade of the Quebec Legislature (National Assembly), Mary Queen of the World at Montreal's Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, and a statue of Édouard Montpetit at the Université de Montréal.

Collections

Daoust's works are in the collection of the National Gallery of Canada and Corbet Collection of Canadian Women Artists, among others.

Honours

• Allied Arts Medal, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, 1961.
• Royal Society of Canada
• Order of Canada, 1976
• Ordre national du Québec
• Honorary Academician, Canadian Portrait Academy, 2000.
• Royal Canadian Academy of Arts