This splendid 19th-century oil painting by British artist George Clare (1835-1890) depicts a mossy bank with various flora and a bird’s nest.
Clare was a master of still life, capturing nature’s abundance with deft handling and keen observation. His gentle portrayals enliven quaint pockets of vivid foliage and evoke a gentle walk in the English countryside. In many ways, he was inspired by his predecessor William Henry Hunt (1790-1864) - particularly with his use of stippling.
Signed/dated lower right and held within a gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 25” x 19” / 63cm x 48cm
Year of creation: c. 1880
Condition: Artwork presents well. Canvas relined. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £10,600
George Clare was an accomplished British painter of tumbling still lifes and iconic British flora. He worked initially in the decorative arts as a japanner while honing his skills as a painter. His works are often compared with those of William Henry Hunt (1790-1864) who appears to have been an influence and today he’s considered one of the foremost English still life painters of his generation. He's represented in numerous public collections.
Learn more about George Clare in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
