JOHN CRAXTON (1922-2009)
Lion Drinking, circa 1970
Charcoal on board
83.5 x 121.5 cm (33 x 47 3/4 in)
From May 1946, when John Craxton first moved to Greece, through to 1967, much of his work drew on its people, nature and landscapes for inspiration. He depicted sailors, fishermen and shepherds, along with taverna life, coastal scenes, local animals (particularly goats) and the bountiful sealife. But a coup in April 1967 resulted in a military junta ruling Greece, after which a fractious and suspicious relationship developed between Craxton and the new regime, with accusations of espionage. The situation did not improve and eventually the artist decided to leave his beloved Greece. Travelling was on the agenda once again, with an absence from Greece for much of the 1970s. More »
John Craxton in his studio