Joseph Clover (English, 1779-1853), Portrait of a Young Gentleman

Oil on panel, inscribed to verso "Jos Clover Pinx / 85 Newman S London / (August) 1838," presented in a later gilt frame.

Panel 15 x 11 3/4 in.; Frame dimensions 19 x 15 1/4 in.

Joseph Clover was an English portrait and landscape painter associated with the Norwich School of painters. Born in Aylsham, Norfolk, he initially trained as an engraver before turning to portraiture after encountering the work of celebrated painter John Opie. Clover moved to London around 1803, studying under Opie for four years and enrolling at the Royal Academy Schools in 1806. He subsequently exhibited at the Royal Academy and established a successful career as a portraitist, attracting patrons that included the Marquis of Stafford and the Countess de Grey.

Clover maintained close ties to his native Norfolk and exhibited extensively with the Norwich Society of Artists, showing forty-seven works between 1813 and 1832. He was commissioned to paint portraits of several mayors of Norwich, examples of which remain in the city’s collection. Although best known during his lifetime for portraiture, Clover was also an accomplished landscape painter, producing watercolors and oils inspired by his travels through Britain and Europe. His landscapes, generally painted for his own pleasure rather than exhibition, are admired for their spontaneous handling and reveal the influence of his teacher, John Opie.

Board is bowed; allover drying crackle to dark surfaces of painting; scattered retouch visible under UV light; minor rubbing to frame.