Alderman John Brown (d. 1914)

James Clark (1858-1943)

1895

Oil on canvas

250 x 148 cm (estimated)

Courtesy of Hartlepool Museums and Heritage Service

Clark painted "over a 100 known commissions and 50 family portraits," says Charlotte Taylor. They were, she says — and as one can imagine — "financially important to him." He would have revelled in painting the regalia and background of this alderman in his fur-trimmed cloak, and the rich fabric covering the table beside him. Compare his palette here with that of The Artist's Studio. Even the colour of the wooden panelling in the background beautifully complements that of the Alderman's robe. — Jacqueline Banerjee. [Click on the picture to enlarge it, and mouse over the text for links.]