Composition With Fruits On A Natural Background. Vincent Clare. Oil On Canvas

The Clare family, consisting of Victorian artists, specialized and became famous for their highly detailed and precise depictions of fruits and flowers in still life paintings. The family consisted of George (1835-1900) and his three sons, David (born 1870), Oliver (1853-1927), and Vincent (1855-1930)—all of whom, except for David, were artists.

George lived and died in Barnet, Hertfordshire—although it is known that he spent several years in Birmingham, where he exhibited paintings during the 1860s. George's technique of stippling and his choice of subjects—still lifes painted on a bench—were influenced by the oils and watercolors of William Henry Hunt (1790-1864).

George's works are highly precise and detailed, with the subjects being depicted with microscopic attention to detail. He exhibited his first works in 1864. Two of his sons—Oliver and Vincent—also became artists and gained fame for their still lifes of flowers and fruits.

Oliver was born in 1853 and spent most of his life as an artist in Birmingham. Although there are no records of his formal training, it is likely that much, if not all, of it was provided by his father. His technique of stippling and choice of subjects were almost identical to George's.

The youngest artist in the family was Vincent Clare. He was born in 1855 and spent most of his life in London at Fern Cottage, Nursery Road, Southgate. It is often noted that Vincent's paintings are signed and include his address on the reverse.

Like his father and brother, he became very popular for his still lifes and flower paintings. His technique was similar to his father's, but his brushstrokes were slightly freer. He seemed to work more with pastel colors. Although Vincent lived in London, it appears that he never exhibited there. The only exhibitions recorded were at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, where he displayed three works.