frans claerhout painting

FRANS CLAERHOUT (BE 1919 - 2006)

'THE CRUCIFIXION'

OIL & CHARCOAL ON PAPER

PAINTING SIZE : 60,5CM X 44CM

FRAMED SIZE : 95CM X 79CM

HAND SIGNED BY ARTIST 

 FRAMED - TRIPLE FRAME 36CM WIDTH

CONDITION : EXCELLENT

PREVIOUS OWNER PURCHASED DIRECT FROM CLAERHOUT 

ARTWORK AUTHENTICATED AT STEPHAN WELZ & CO AUCTIONEERS (SWELCO) 

Born in Pittem, West Flanders, Belgium in 1919, Frans Claerhout, a self-taught artist and Catholic missionary, made a significant impact on South African art. Moving to South Africa in 1946, he combined his role as a priest with a passion for art, working in the Transvaal and later the Orange Free State. Claerhout's unique style, characterized by vivid colors and incorporation of everyday elements, gained fame after his move to Thaba Nchu in 1960.

Inspired by Christian spirituality, he painted landscapes, figures, and biblical scenes using oil, pastel, ink, pencil, and charcoal. Claerhout, associated with expressionism, referenced Flemish Expressionism, particularly Constant Permeke. In 1958, he joined the Bloemfontein Group, a notable art movement in the Free State.

Claerhout's health setbacks in 1979 led to a color evolution in his art. Beyond painting, he explored sculpture, wall paintings, monotype, linocut, stained glass, drawings, and crayon. A generous philanthropist, he donated earnings to support housing, schools, and his mission. Besides his artistic pursuits, Claerhout authored several books, including poetry.