Robert Clarke

This pose where the sitter looks obliquely out of the corner of his eyes is one that the artist William Wood adopted regularly especially for his male sitters. Perhaps it showed them in a more flattering light or added a degree of mystery. This expressive portrait shows a stoutly-built gentleman of florid complexion with a dimpled chin is attired in a smart coat, starched waistcoat and red vest and has an air of someone who enjoys life to the full. His grey hair is tinted with pink and falls in natural curls over the coat collar. His name, Robert Clarke, is understood to be inscribed along with the artist’s signature on the reverse of the portrait, as was Wood’s customary practice.

Painted during the 1790s, the portrait resides in the original gold frame that is glazed reverse to reveal brown hair.

William Wood kept a detailed fee book listing his commissions and detailing the sitter’s profession and/or address alongside coded references to the paint pigments used, the date the portrait was completed and occasionally a preliminary tracing of the portrait. Robert Clarke is indeed listed (ref. 473) but, as the ledgers are currently under conservation at the V&A, it has not been possible to trace his full record. Without further clues it has in turn proved impossible (for now) to trace Robert Clarke’s heritage.

William was the youngest of three children born to William Wood Sen. and his wife Bithiah (née Townsend). He was just sixteen when he entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1785. His ledgers show he attracted a steady and well-heeled clientele but his flourishing career was cut short by his early death at the age of forty one. Wood’s distinctive portraits display character and honesty and as such are critically well acclaimed.

Ivory Exemption Ref.: GUXYMJTL