130

CLIFTON PUGH (1924-1990), Glory be to God for Dappled Things 1988

oil on canvas
signed, dated and titled lower right and left: Clifton FEB 1988 'GLORY BE TO GOD FOR DAPPLED THINGS'
111.5 x 90cm

PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the Artist
Helen Nixon Collection, Melbourne


CATALOGUE NOTE
Helen Nixon was Clifton Pugh's accountant and friend for a significant period of his life and career. As is often the way with artists, they are rich with imagination and concepts but not always flush in tangible world assets. As such, Helen accrued an extensive collection of artworks (and a Jaguar at one point) as payment for her trusted services. Helen recalls Clif as enigmatic, kind-hearted and childlike eccentric. A particular curiosity at Dunmoochin was the slide he had built, starting from his bedroom window and leading directly into the pool! Pugh painted a cheerful portrait of Helen (sporadically) midway through a tax consultation in Pugh's studio.

The collection contains several delightful paintings from the twilight years of Pugh's life in contrast to his main body of works— characteristically dark and pessimistic. Landscape Reflections with Waratah 1985 is a testament to Clifton Pugh's passion and love of the natural world, reflecting a moment of pure joy in the artist's heart. Helen recalls how delighted he was with the outcome of this work, visible in the lightness of the brushstrokes. This private collection reveals another side to the artist we rarely see, one that is unguarded, serene and at peace with the simple beauty of light, manifested beautifully in Glory be to God for Dappled Things 1988 (Lot 70). Helen's collection bears witness to the breadth of Pugh's talent, offering a unique glimpse into the artist's character and complexity.

  • Condition: The painted surface area appears to be very stable. There is no significant areas of paint contraction/cracking. Sporadic areas of light discolouration/scuffing/dirt marks. The painting is supported on what is most likely the original stretcher and in a simple plain gilt frame contemporary to the period. On inspection of the reverse, the painting has had early professional conservation in the lower left hand corner, there is a patch measuring approximately 5.5cm x 10cm. Under UV examination there is an area approx. 2 x 10 cm of retouching. Please refer to additional photographs online. The overall condition of this work is good/very good.

    * All statements by Gibson’s in the catalogue entry for the property or in the condition report, or made orally or in writing elsewhere, are statements of opinion and are not to be relied upon as statements of fact. Such statements do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Gibson’s of any kind. References in the catalogue entry to the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance only and should be evaluated by personal inspection by the bidder or a knowledgeable representative. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Estimates of the selling price should not be relied on as a statement that this is the price at which the item will sell or its value for any other purpose. Neither Gibson’s nor The Seller is responsible for any errors or omissions in the catalogue or any supplemental material.

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April 21, 2024 12:00 PM AEST
Armadale, Australia

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