Claude Pratt (1860-1935) - 1920 Watercolour Old Bill, No More Soldiering for Me

Description

A cheerful portrait of a soldier smoking a pipe in watercolour by the artist Claude Pratt (1860-1935). A label on the reverse identifies the work as a self portrait by the artist, "who grew the moustache specially for it." Signed and dated to the upper right. Well presented in a gilt frame with a pastel pink mount. On paper.

Condition

The condition is good for a picture of this age. Some slight discolouration and foxing to the paper. Marks and scuffs to the frame.

Size

22 x 17.5cm (8.7" x 6.9")
Framed Size: 37 x 31.5cm (14.6" x 12.4")

Artist Biography

Theophilus Pratt (1860–1935), known by his middle name Claude, was a painter and son of the artist Jonathan Pratt. He studied at Birmingham School of Art, and later furthered his artistic education at the Antwerp Royal Academy Schools and in Paris at the Académie Colarossi. He was elected an Associate of the RBSA in 1883 and as a full member in 1887. Pratt also illustrated books and produced advertisements for 'Passing Cloud' cigarettes made by Wills. In 1890 he moved to Broadway, Worcestershire, where he became friendly with John Singer Sargent. Less successful than his father as a portrait painter, he did receive some important commissions, which included various civic dignitaries of the Singers Hill Synagogue, Birmingham, and the Birmingham Council offices. He only occasionally exhibited outside Birmingham at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, and at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters in London. He died a poor man living on the support of his children. His will stated that his son should dispose of his paintings, "which will be worth very little, the pictures hardly fetching the value of the frames." Today his work is highly prized by collectors.