George Clausen and ‘Youth Mourning’
Although this British artist is largely forgotten today, one of his works in particular deserves to be remembered
The name of George Clausen is little known today, although during his lifetime he was considered to be one of the finest painters of his generation, and he received a knighthood in recognition of his contribution to the Arts. As Charles Johnson wrote in 1934:
“… of Clausen’s work more than of any other living painter’s it is safe to prophesy a continued fame rising above all changing fashions. The art of other men may live; that of Clausen will live.”
However, it is doubtful if one in a thousand culturally-minded people in Britain today would even recognise his name. Charles Johnson was wrong — fashions have changed and left George Clausen behind. However, there is one of his works that stands out from the rest and for which he does indeed deserve to be remembered.
A Short Biography
George Clausen was born in 1852 in London, the son of a Danish father and a Scottish mother. His artistic training included two years at The National Art Training School, and he also studied for a time in Holland. He came under the influence of several artists, most notably the French painter Jules…
