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Lot Essay
Executed in 1961, Giulio is one of the largest in an important series of figure paintings that the artist executed on the theme of warriors. Following on from his celebrated series of paintings of kings in the 1950s, Clavé developed this theme of ancient figures into a powerful expression of the archetypes of Spanish heritage. The theme of kings and warriors was loosely based on the figures to be found in a pack of cards, which the artist gave a striking presence and archetypal significance in his work.
In the present work, the dark blue and black colours dripping down the panel convey a nocturnal and somewhat dream-like atmosphere. A defiant figure holding a spear and a shield emerges from the intricate patterning of spidery lines and drips to form the solid and mysterious image of a medieval soldier on guard.
It is rare for a work of this period to be given a specific title, especially an Italian name. Guilio however refers to the artist's gardener who Clavé decided to tease by giving his name to the powerful and slightly menacing looking character in this painting.
In the present work, the dark blue and black colours dripping down the panel convey a nocturnal and somewhat dream-like atmosphere. A defiant figure holding a spear and a shield emerges from the intricate patterning of spidery lines and drips to form the solid and mysterious image of a medieval soldier on guard.
It is rare for a work of this period to be given a specific title, especially an Italian name. Guilio however refers to the artist's gardener who Clavé decided to tease by giving his name to the powerful and slightly menacing looking character in this painting.