Harold Clayton, British (1896 – 1979)
Still life of flowers in a gilt mounted ceramic vase
Medium: Oil on canvas
Framed size: 29.50 x 33.50 inches
Unframed size: 22 x 26 inches
Signature: signed (Lower Left)
Provenance:
Private collection, UK
Harold Clayton – Still life of flowers in a gilt mounted ceramic vase
In stock
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Harold Clayton was a British painter best known for his extravagant depictions of floral arrangements in delicate ornate vases usually decorated with gold detailing. Although these art works were painted in the 20th century, Clayton painted with immense detail. These detailed techniques and centred compositions reminisce the aesthetic of 16th-century Dutch still-lifes.
Clayton was born during 1896 in London, England. He came from an artistic family and was sent to art school in Hackney at an early age after displaying a spark of talent. After graduating he moved to Harrow Art School and completed anther course before he went on to study at Hornsey College of Art. It was here where he focused on graphic design and commercial art. Soon after he was off to St. Martin’s School of Art where he studied under the painter Norman Jones. Jones had a profound everlasting effect on Claytons work, in a way maturing his artistic style. Over the period of his career, Clayton exhibited his pieces across London but more often exhibited at the Royal Academy in London.
Although he mastered many mediums over the course of his life, Clayton will forever be popular due to these rich still life floral paintings. This is somewhat ironic as he completed relatively fewer flower pieces over other compositions. He died in his hometown during 1979.
The presented piece is particularly charming. A brilliant example of Clayton’s oeuvre, depicting a crowded display of an abundant bouquet of flowers in a white and blue vase, with gold detailing cascading across the delicate material. A rich gold lion peeking through the petals creating a bold and striking detail to this lavish vase. Claytons approach compels a sense of sensitivity. His brushstrokes confidently evoking the delicate nature of the flowers and foliage. Clayton has a recognisable vibrant colour palette. This conscious decision to use vibrant colours emphasises the rich bounty and beauty of the flowers. An abundant bouquet against an especially plain slightly one tonal background pushes the grand detail to the foreground.
