Jean Béraud (French, 1849-1936)

Sir Campbell Clarke (1835-1902) began his professional career working as a librarian for the British Museum. In 1870, he married Annie Levy, the daughter of J. M. Levy, owner of the Daily Telegraph, and was appointed the paper’s special correspondent in Paris. Clarke travelled widely while covering European news for the publication, and was the first to break the news of the British occupation of Cyprus, among other major international events of his time. He was also very active in the Parisian art, music, drama and literary scenes, serving on the jury for two Paris Exhibitions. In the present portrait, Béraud has captured the essence of the worldly and distinguished gentleman reporter, giving a nod to his occupation by including a rolled-up copy of the Daily Telegraph in his upended top hat on the chair at right.
For a note on the artist, see lot 5.