Sir George Clausen

Sir George Clausen was an English painter born in 1852, who became a prominent figure in the Realism movement. He studied at the South Kensington Schools and later in Antwerp and Paris, where he was influenced by the naturalistic approach of Jules Bastien-Lepage. Clausen's work is noted for its depiction of rural life and landscapes, capturing the everyday lives of agricultural workers with a keen attention to detail and light. He was a founding member of the New English Art Club in 1886, which provided an alternative to the Royal Academy's traditionalism. Clausen was elected a Royal Academician in 1908 and was knighted in 1927, recognizing his contributions to British art. He continued to paint and exhibit until his death in 1944, leaving a legacy of works that reflect the social and environmental changes of his time.