George Clare
(1830 - 1900)
Still Life with a Bird's Nest
Oil on canvas
18 x 24 inches
Signed
BIOGRAPHY - George Clare (1830 - 1900)
George Clare lived and died in Barnet, Hertfordshire; although it is known that he spent some time (during the 1860's) in Birmingham evidenced by the fact that his address is given as 173, Bristol Street, Birmingham for the paintings he exhibited during the 1860's. As to George's artistic training, one is not sure; however, his technique is a delicate stippling as he was greatly influenced by William Hunt.
Through his stippling technique, Clare was able to capture the beauty of nature, giving life and individualized each aspect of the painting.
George exhibited his first works in 1864 exhibiting at the Royal Academy - #356 "Plums, etc."; the British Institution #395 "Camellia, etc.", at the Royal Society of British Artists - #410 "Grapes, plums, etc." and #741 "Camellias &c.". He would continue to exhibit his works till 1874.
Two of George's sons, Oliver and Vincent, were also artists and became quite famous for their still life and flower paintings.
References
Johnson, J., The Royal Society of British Artists: 1824 - 1893, Antique Collectors Club, 1975, pgs. 87-88.
Johnson, J. & Greutzner, A., The Dictionary of British Artists: 1880-1940, Antique Collectors Club, 1976, pg. 107.
Maas, Jeremy, Victorian Painters, Barrie & Rockleff, The Cresset Press, London, 1969, pg. 173.
Mitchell, Peter, Great Flower Painters: Four Centuries of Floral Art, George Rainbird, Ltd., London, 1973, pg. 89-90 (ill).
Pavière, Sydney H., A Dictionary of Flower, Fruit, and Still Life Painters, F. Lewis, Ltd., England, 1964, pg. 29 (ill.).
Waters, Grant M., Dictionary of British Artists Working 1900 - 1950, Eastbourne Fine Art Publishers, England, 1975, pgs. 65-66.
Wood, Christopher, The Dictionary of Victorian Painters, Antique Collectors Club, England, 1978, pg. 91 (ill).