News > Tribute to Foremost Animalier, Count Bernard de Claviere d’Hust

THE ARTIST COUNT

by Sarah Miller

Count Bernard de Claviere d’Hust, a foremost animalier, was just as interesting as he sounds.

Located on one of the most charming streets in Charleston, Tribute to Foremost Animalier, Count Bernard de Claviere d’Hust will be exhibited at Dog & Horse Fine Art, February 1 – March 25.

Called “Bernard” by his friends, Jaynie Spector, owner of Dog & Horse Fine Art, recalls her first interaction with the late painter. “It was a cool morning in Nashville when I met the dapper Bernard de Claviere at his home. He stood tall and proud, almost at attention.” Spector remembers Bernard proudly showing off his letter from Queen Elizabeth thanking him for painting her favorite horse, Burmese, and her beloved Corgi, Smokey. His studio resembled a stable full of horses with life-size paintings of animals carpeting the walls. One of the most impressive canvases Spector witnessed was a 5 by 11 foot painting of congregating Borzois, “Rendez-vous of Borzois.” Bernard explained that this monumental painting actually included his self-portrait — the Borzoi lying on the ground, seemingly indifferent to his surroundings, was himself.

While his talent was innate, his classical training began with a restoration expert at Versailles. During Bernard’s life, he painted for distinguished clientele in 23 countries. His story is chalk full of magic and adventure. He captured the essence of Royal Arabian Stallions for the Emir of Qatar, regularly hunted fox with the Ambassador to Denmark, and sold out his first solo show at age 35 in London. He lived and exhibited in Lyon, Paris, London, Palm Beach, NYC, Long Island, Lexington, Nashville, and finally resided in Orlando.

Staying true to his roots, Bernard’s works were truly French in style. Graceful S-curves and creating surfaces that resembled porcelain supported his artistic description. Bernard explained his style as, “modern from a classical perspective.” An unknowing admirer of his work may even mistake his paintings for that of an 18th-century French master.

“The world of animals is very essential to me. They create some kindness in our lives, and to paint them gets one closer to a sweetness in life that is disappearing every day.” – Count Bernard de Claviere d’Hust

TRIBUTE TO FOREMOST ANIMALIER, COUNT BERNARD DE CLAVIERE D’HUST
On View: February 1 – March 25, 2017
Dog & Horse Fine Art | 102 Church Street, Charleston 29401

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