Benton Fine Art has dated this Antique Horse Oil Painting to the 1890s.
British, (1863-1955)
Black Horse in a Field
Oil on canvas, signed & inscribed with the artist’s address
Image size: 19 inches x 23.25 inches
Size including frame: 25.5 inches x 29.75 inches
A fine sporting horse painting of a black horse in a field by James Albert Clark.
Her position allows us to see her white leather bridle with its brass decoration as well as the white markings on her lower hind legs. The white bridle would only have been used for specialist occasions and indicates she may have been a prize carriage or harness horse, perhaps used in processions. Her docked tail was also common among show horses used for carriage driving or harness racing, as it prevented the long hair from becoming entangled in the harness or other equipment. Although the name of the horse and owner have been sadly lost over time, the portrait would most likely have been commissioned by the owner to commemorate the horse in some way. At the time of this painting, the artist was living at 67 Riversdale Road in Islington, London.
James Albert Clark was an animal painter born in Shoreditch on 17 February, 1863. He was part of the Clark family of artists and was the son of the artist James Clark (1812-1884) and his second wife Frances Mary Ann Parsons. His half-brothers, Samuel James Clark (1841-1928), Albert Clark (1843-1928) and Octavius Thomas Clark (1850-1921) were also artists.
He lived with his family at 21 Walbrook Street, St Leonards, Shoreditch, where he was first taught art by his father. In 1879, he moved with his parents to 67 Riversdale Road, Islington and it was here that James and his father set up a studio together when he was of age. As well as producing their own paintings of prize-winning animals and horses they also worked together as ‘James Clark and Son’. They often signed their collaborative works as James Clark and Son with the address written underneath.
He married Mary Ann Blight in 1889 and they lived with his parents at Riverdale Road. They had two children together and their son Horace Gordon Clark (1891-1959) also became an artist. Whilst living in Islington, Clark used to visit the local agricultural hall to paint the livestock on show. After his father’s death in 1884, he continued to work on commissions to paint animal portraits including racehorses such as this fine example.
His first wife Mary Ann died in 1892 and in 1900 he married Frances Charlotte Parsons, who was a cousin on his mother’s side. In 1908, he moved to Landseer Road, Holloway where two more of his children were born. As well as being a painter he also worked as a picture restorer for James Lawrence Castiglione, a fine art auctioneer and picture dealer. After divorcing in 1918, he married for the third time to Annie Elizabeth Keen and had two further children. It is likely that this coincided with his move to 79 Hanley Road in Islington where he continued working as a picture restore and later an antique dealer. He died on 7 November, 1955 at Whittington Hospital, St Pancras.
Examples of his work, including those he worked on with his father can be found at the Museum of English Rural Life and the Royal Agricultural Collection.
Presentation: The painting is housed in a new, English made gilt frame which is in excellent condition.
Condition: As with all of our original antique oil paintings, this work is offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished.
© Benton Fine Art
Benton Fine Art has dated this Antique Horse Oil Painting to the 1890s.
Specialists in 19th & early 20th century original oil paintings by listed artists
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Benton Fine Art Profile Page
Benton Fine Art is a registered member of LAPADA BADA CINOA
Horse Portrait Oil Painting of a Black Horse in a Field by James Albert Clark
