Two (2) Bernard De Claviere (France/Tennessee, 1934-2016) oil on board paintings, one (1) depicting a dog, possibly a Briard, lying down; and one (1) depicting a Balinese or long-haired Siamese cat seated, both depicted against a landscape background. Both signed "B. de Claviere" in lower corners. Additionally signed, numbered 982 and 983, and dated "-06" en verso. Both housed in stained wood frames with bead-course decoration and a stepped filet. Sights: 10 1/2" H x 13 1/2" W. Frames: 15 1/2" H x 18 1/4" W. Biographical Note: Born in Lyon, France, Bernard De Claviere worked in a public relations role in Paris before embarking on a career as an animal painter specializing in horses. During a trip to America, his work was well received by J. T. Lundy, the owner of Lexington, Kentucky's Calumet Farms, a thoroughbred breeding and racing facility. De Claviere was engaged by Lundy to create portraits of a number of Kentucky stallions and mares. In 1978, de Claviere met Nashville's Guilford Dudley, former ambassador to Denmark, with whom he struck up a friendship based on their mutual interests in horses and hunting. After receiving portrait commissions from several Nashvillians, the artist began to commute between Nashville and Europe, staying in each place six months at a time. He eventually moved to New York City, where he lived from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s. In 2002, the artist settled permanently in Nashville, where he worked until his death in 2016. (Adapted from Mary Unobsky, Nashville Arts Magazine, June 2010)

PROVENANCE: The estate of McAlister W. Anderson, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Both paintings in very good condition with some errant fibers in thick varnish. One fame with loss to lower edge.