Count Bernard de Claviere

Count De Claviere's lavish oil paintings are famous for depicting a rich and romantic realism that both celebrates the moment and transcends it. Born in Lyons, France in 1934, Count did not begin to paint seriously until the age of 35. He is said to bring to the canvas a vision of remarkable maturity and tenderness. The Wall Street Journal called Count De Claviere " one of the leading animaliers of this century." His range is vast, as seen in his paintings of both provincial and cosmopolitan landscapes, thoroughbred champions, dogs, cats, white bears, tigers, elephants, dolphins, and many more subjects. Count is perhaps best known for his portraits of domestic and wild animals, earning exalted international acclaim when the French government commissioned him to pain Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's favorite royal steed, Burmese. Presented to her as a gift by the French government, the painting now hangs in her Majesty's private collection. In addition, Count has painted portraits of the Queen's prize Welsh Corgi, Smokey, and Alybar, Prince Charles' favored steeplechaser. Count de Claviere's ability to capture the heart and soul of his subjects led the Major of Deauville, France to observe that Count's paintings are " neither illustration nor photography" but the soul, spirit and life and of the exceptional and perfect moment. Influenced greatly by Velasquez, Poussin, Rembrandt, Oudry, and Thomas Stubbs as well as the Italian Renaissance painters.

Count Bernard de Claviere Images:
Court Intrigue
Horse In Venetian Landscape