Artwork

Portrait of G.Thomson

Portrait of G.Thomson, by George Clausen, 1926
Portrait of G.Thomson, by George Clausen, 1926

Portrait of G.Thomson is a drawing by George Clausen. It dates from 1926 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

The artist has used a range of techniques to create depth and dimensionality, including cross-hatching and stippling.

The painting shows a portrait of a man, likely G. Thomson, drawn in 1926 by George Clausen. The subject is depicted in a simple setting, with a focus on his facial features and attire. He wears a collared shirt and a tie, and his hair is neatly styled.

The drawing is rendered in a realistic style, with attention to detail and texture. The artist has used a range of techniques to create depth and dimensionality, including cross-hatching and stippling. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, as if the subject is lost in thought.

To learn more about the artist's use of technique, explore the concept of cross-hatching.

Overview

George Clausen’s 1926 pencil drawing presents a bust‑length portrait of an older gentleman distinguished by a full moustache. Executed in graphite, the work bears the artist’s signature, date and a title inscription, confirming its authorship and purpose as a formal likeness.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, identified as G. Thomson, is rendered with a calm, introspective demeanor. Dressed in a collared shirt and tie, his neatly arranged hair and composed expression suggest a respectable, perhaps professional, individual captured in a moment of quiet thought.

Technique & Style

Clausen employs a realistic approach, building form through meticulous cross‑hatching and stippling that convey texture in the skin, hair and clothing. The layered graphite creates subtle tonal variations, giving the portrait depth and a three‑dimensional presence without resorting to dramatic chiaroscuro.

History & Provenance

Created in 1926, the drawing is signed and dated by Clausen, situating it within the later period of his career. The inscription of the title and the artist’s hand indicate it was likely intended as a personal or commemorative record, though its subsequent ownership history remains undocumented.

Artist & collection

Portrait of George Clausen

Artist

George Clausen

Sir George Clausen (18 April 1852 – 22 November 1944) was a British artist working in oil and watercolour, etching, mezzotint, drypoint and occasionally lithographs. He was knighted in 1927.