This attractive late 19th-century oil painting by British artist Vincent Clare (1855-1930) depicts two wicker baskets brimming with an assortment of springtime flora including primroses, apple blossom and pansies along with a bird’s nest. Clare was an accomplished painter of still lifes.
Captured with the utmost delicacy, this beauteous ensemble evokes the buoyancy of a stroll in the abundant English countryside. Each petal and leafy flourish has been rendered with careful observation by a master of his brush, working at the peak of his abilities.
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, this example of Vincent Clare’s work from 1894, demonstrates that he was a great deal more than the ‘other brother’. It’s on a par with the finest works of both Oliver Clare and his father.
Signed/dated in the lower right and held within a later frame.
Learn more about Vincent Clare in our directory.
Medium: Oil on canvas laid on board
Overall size: 23½” x 27½” / 60cm x 70cm
Year of creation: 1894
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed 'Vincent Clare 94' on the reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, UK.
Condition: Cleaned. Frame in excellent condition.
Artist’s auction maximum: £28,000 for ‘Geraniums, Azaleas, Primroses/Grapes, Plumes, Peaches’, Oil on canvas (2), Christie’s, British and Victorian Pictures, London, 13 March 1997 (lot 243).
Our reference: BRV1982
