Vincent Clare was an accomplished painter of quintessentially British flora.

Born in Birmingham, Clare’s father, George, was a notable still life painter and ‘japanner’, who taught him to draw from an early age. He also taught his brother, Oliver Clare and it’s fair to say that Oliver has somewhat outshone his younger sibling over the years. However, on his day, Vincent Clare produced works of the highest calibre.

It’s interesting to compare/contrast the stylistic nuances of the two brothers as there are noticeable differences in their approach. Oliver tended to adopt a richer palette with a deeper level of chiaroscuro, perhaps influenced by the Dutch masters of the 17th century. Often, he’d include dewdrops for effect and rendered his fruit with a three-dimensional quality. Whereas Vincent was broadly more naturalistic and used gentler hues to create harmony. As a result, many of his works are tender and youthful. Both were influenced by the stippling effect employed by William Henry Hunt (1790-1864).

Clare rarely exhibited, preferring, instead, to forge a solid career providing numerous art dealers with a regular supply of compositions. One can imagine that his father instilled in him the importance of a regular income over striving to satisfy one’s ego. In an exchange with Northampton-based art dealer, Alfred Edward Perrin, he stressed, respectfully, that he only worked with one gallery in each town, thus creating exclusivity.

For us, Vincent Clare was a great deal more than the ‘other brother’. Many of his works are on a par with, and at times better than, those of both Oliver Clare and his father.

Exhibited

Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.

Public Collections

West Northamptonshire Council, Rotherham Heritage Services, Clifton Park Museum.

Timeline

1855

Born in Birmingham to George Clare, a still life painter, and Maria Elizabeth Clare (nee Bowen). He was born George Clare but changed his name to avoid confusion.

1861

Lived in Ladywood, Birmingham, with his parents and siblings.

Trained by his father.

1871

Lived in Ladywood, Birmingham, with his parents and siblings.

1876

Married Eliza Anne Tanner in Hammersmith.

1881

Lived in Hammersmith, London, with his wife and son. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist (Fruit & Flowers)’.

1885

Produced sixteen illustrations for ‘The Album of Blossom and Fruit’ for Messrs T. J. Smith, Son, and Downes.

1891

Lived in Southgate, Edmonton, Middlesex with his wife and four children. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist (Fruit & Flower Painter)’.

1901

Lived in Southgate, Edmonton, Middlesex, with his wife and four children.

1911

Lived in Southgate, Edmonton, Middlesex, with his wife. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist/Still Life and Landscape’.

1917

Died.