What is the historical significance of Edwardian military portraiture?

During the Edwardian era, formal oil portraits of high-ranking military figures were regularly commissioned to record rank, service honours, and aristocratic status within British society.

What materials were traditionally used to create framed oil paintings of this period?

Artists utilised stretched linen or cotton canvas ground with oil-based pigments, finished with natural varnish and mounted within carved timber or gilded composition frames.

How can one identify authentic turn-of-the-century portrait paintings?

Authentic period canvases display natural craquelure across the paint layer, genuine oxidisation on the timber stretcher bars, and historic frame construction techniques such as corner keys.

How do interior designers integrate historic portraiture into modern spaces?

Large formal oil paintings are frequently hung above architectural focal points or paired with contemporary minimalist furnishings to create visual contrast in contemporary interiors.

What care is required to preserve an antique oil painting on canvas?

Keep the canvas out of direct sunlight and high humidity, dust gently with a soft dry brush, and consult a professional conservator for surface cleaning or varnish removal.

for sale €2,077 $2,254

£1,775

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Victorian Officer Portrait

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Monumental Militaire Oil Portrait Painting Major-general Sir Stanley Clarke

Name: Monumental Militaire Oil Portrait Painting Major-general Sir Stanley Clarke
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1232698
Price: 1775 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Artsonline

Description

Monumental Militaire Oil Portrait Painting Major-General Sir Stanley Clarke

Brief Description:

This is a magnificent and monumental early 20th-century oil on canvas portrait depicting Major-General Sir Stanley de Astel Calvert Clarke, GCVO, CMG (1837–1911), distinguished British Army officer and senior courtier to King Edward VII.

Dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1902–1911, the imposing portrait is signed "Kelly" lower left and is attributed to the celebrated British society and Royal portrait painter Sir Gerald Festus Kelly, KCVO, PRA (1879–1972).

Major-General Clarke is portrayed standing three-quarter length in magnificent formal Court dress, wearing the insignia and decorations associated with his distinguished military career and service to the Royal Household.

Clarke was appointed GCVO following the Coronation of King Edward VII in August 1902 and subsequently served as Clerk Marshal and Chief Equerry to the King from 1904. This provides an important terminus post quem for the portrait and strongly suggests an Edwardian date.

The painting is housed within its enormous and highly decorative giltwood and gesso frame, richly moulded with scrolling foliage and retaining tremendous period presence.

Signed lower left: "Kelly".

Of particular importance, we are also offering the matching companion portrait of Clarke's wife, Mary Temple Clarke (née Rose). The two monumental paintings remain in corresponding frames and represent an exceptionally imposing Edwardian portrait pair.

Attributes:

Oil on Canvas

Artist: Sir Gerald Festus Kelly

Circa: Early 20th Century

Condition:

Both the painting and the huge gesso-moulded frame are offered in an overall excellent original condition.

Overall Framed Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 58.5'' | 148.5 cm

Width: 48.5'' | 123.1 cm

Depth: 3'' | 7.6 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

*A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

We take great care and plenty of time to ensure the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.

Returns Policy

Artsonline provides a genuine no-quibble 14-day money-back refund policy

(excluding the cost of Postage and Packaging).

Pay securely - Telephone orders are welcome.

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Physical Dimensions

Height

148.5cm (58.46")

Width

123.1cm (48.46")

Depth

7.6cm (2.99")

Declaration

Artsonline has dated this Antique Military Oil Portrait to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1232698

Dealers Notes

CONTACT US:

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We have a friendly & professional team on hand who are here to help you with any queries you may have.

Tel: 01749 595 507

Mobile: 07784 085 135

Outside the UK:

Tel: 0044 1749 595 507

Cell: 0044 7784 085 135

PAYMENT:

We accept all major credit/debit cards, PayPal, Square and Bank transfer (BACS).

Description

Monumental Militaire Oil Portrait Painting Major-General Sir Stanley Clarke

Brief Description:

This is a magnificent and monumental early 20th-century oil on canvas portrait depicting Major-General Sir Stanley de Astel Calvert Clarke, GCVO, CMG (1837–1911), distinguished British Army officer and senior courtier to King Edward VII.

fig 1. An Edwardian portrait painting of a military officer wearing decorations and set within a carved gold frame. — fig 1. Monumental Militaire Oil Portrait Painting Major-general Sir Stanley Clarke

Dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1902–1911, the imposing portrait is signed "Kelly" lower left and is attributed to the celebrated British society and Royal portrait painter Sir Gerald Festus Kelly, KCVO, PRA (1879–1972).

fig 2. An Edwardian portrait painting of a military officer wearing decorations and set within a carved gold frame. — fig 2. Monumental Militaire Oil Portrait Painting Major-general Sir Stanley Clarke

Major-General Clarke is portrayed standing three-quarter length in magnificent formal Court dress, wearing the insignia and decorations associated with his distinguished military career and service to the Royal Household.

“

Clarke was appointed GCVO following the Coronation of King Edward VII in August 1902 and subsequently served as Clerk Marshal and Chief Equerry to the King from 1904.

Artsonline

This provides an important terminus post quem for the portrait and strongly suggests an Edwardian date.

fig 3. An Edwardian portrait painting of a military officer wearing decorations and set within a carved gold frame. — fig 3. Monumental Militaire Oil Portrait Painting Major-general Sir Stanley Clarke

The painting is housed within its enormous and highly decorative giltwood and gesso frame, richly moulded with scrolling foliage and retaining tremendous period presence.

Signed lower left: "Kelly".

Of particular importance, we are also offering the matching companion portrait of Clarke's wife, Mary Temple Clarke (née Rose). The two monumental paintings remain in corresponding frames and represent an exceptionally imposing Edwardian portrait pair.

fig 4. An Edwardian portrait painting of a military officer wearing decorations and set within a carved gold frame. — fig 4. Monumental Militaire Oil Portrait Painting Major-general Sir Stanley Clarke

Attributes:

Oil on Canvas

Artist: Sir Gerald Festus Kelly

Circa: Early 20th Century

Condition:

Both the painting and the huge gesso-moulded frame are offered in an overall excellent original condition.

Overall Framed Measurements:

fig 5. An Edwardian portrait painting of a military officer wearing decorations and set within a carved gold frame. — fig 5. Monumental Militaire Oil Portrait Painting Major-general Sir Stanley Clarke

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 58.5'' | 148.5 cm

Width: 48.5'' | 123.1 cm

Depth: 3'' | 7.6 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

fig 6. An Edwardian portrait painting of a military officer wearing decorations and set within a carved gold frame. — fig 6. Monumental Militaire Oil Portrait Painting Major-general Sir Stanley Clarke

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

We take great care and plenty of time to ensure the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces we sell.

fig 7. An Edwardian portrait painting of a military officer wearing decorations and set within a carved gold frame. — fig 7. Monumental Militaire Oil Portrait Painting Major-general Sir Stanley Clarke

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.