Harlequins | Pierrots | Clowns
In the 1920s, Clowns, Harlequins and Pierrots were often subjects for artists. There was interest in Commedia Dell’ Arte and its tradition as well as the Circus version of the Clown. Richard owned a book on the history of Clowns, and he called his dalmatian dog after the Swiss clown Grock. He loved inserting a ‘surprise’ clown into his narrative pictures, where they often appear out of place but perhaps serve as an obscure reminder of our common humanity.
A Moment of Sadness (1981)
oil on board - 51h × 76w (cm)
The Pierrot seems to mourn the loss of his girl who appears in a vision behind him. The scene is set in Whitby harbour.
Watchers on a Beach (1971)
oil on board - 76.2h × 101.6w (cm)
Richard sometimes introduced clowns or Pierrots into a busy scene where they mix with the crowd. Here there are two clowns standing on the beach with all the other characters looking out to sea. But we will never know what they are watching.
Harlequins (1926)
oil on canvas - 70h × 55w (cm)
This is a remarkable picture done when Richard was still at the Slade but presumably painted in his lodgings as he declared that he never painted at school but only drew.
Harlequin (c1988)
- 15.9h × 8.3w (cm)
Grimaldi the Clown (1986)
oil on board
Clown Study (c1986)
oil on board
Changing Breeze (1981)
oil on board - 16h × 30w (cm)
Pierrot and Fisherman (1975)
oil on board - 26.7h × 31.8w (cm)
Northumbrian Sword Dance (1973)
oil on board - 30.5h × 61w (cm)
The Procession, Yorkshire (1970)
oil on board - 43h × 98w (cm)
Young Clown (1967)
oil on driftwood panel - 30h × 17.02w (cm)
York Festival Triptych (1956)
oil on canvas - 130.8h × 196.2w (cm)
Queen of the Sea, 1911 (1954)
oil on canvas - 122h × 182.8w (cm)
Coast Scene with Rainbow (1953)
oil on canvas - 122.5h × 183.5w (cm)
The Mummers (1952)
oil on board - 88h × 92w (cm)
The Mummers (1951)
oil on board - 21h × 15.9w (cm)
Dancing Men (1948)
oil on canvas - 40.5h × 51w (cm)
Angry Clown (1947)
oil on panel - 27h × 21.5w (cm)
Negro Harlequin (1942)
- 61h × 30.5w (cm)
The Clown (1930)
oil on panel - 32h × 25.5w (cm)
Puppet Head of Clown (1930s)
painted carved wood
Clowns at Practice (1929)
pencil on paper - 37.5h × 30.5w (cm)
Clowns by the Sea (c1929)
pencil on paper
Fantazia (1927)
pencil on paper - 25.5h × 32w (cm)