Sir George Clausen R.A. (1852-1944)

Catalogue Note

Born in London the year after the Great Exhibition, which brought grand international displays of fine art to London, Clausen was a British artist with a truly international scope. After studying at South Kensington School of Art on a two-year scholarship, Clausen decided to further his training at the Antwerp Academy. Whilst in the Netherlands he travelled along the coast, making studies in the fishing villages on his way. At this time Clausen also embarked on his first forays to Paris and the influence of French art took root in his practice, in particular the work of Jules Bastien-Lepage.

Clausen was a founder-member of the New English Art Club and was committed to reforming the selection process of the Royal Academy. He became Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy Schools, where his lectures were so popular that they were instantly published. He was knighted for his services to the arts in 1927.