James Humbert Craig RHA RUA Biography and Works - Ross's Auctioneers & Valuers

James Humbert Craig RHA RUA

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James Humbert Craig RHA RUA

James Humbert Craig (1877-1944) was a landscape painter born in Belfast. He enrolled at the Belfast School of Art but failed to finish even one term, therefore, he was largely a self-taught artist. His passion for the outdoors and landscape meant that the Glens of Antrim, Donegal and Connemara were his most popular areas for painting. At one stage he did emigrate to the US but only stayed for a short time before returning to Co. Down.

James’ works first appeared in the RHA in 1915 and he continued to contribute his art here until he died. In 1928, Humbert Craig was elected to the Royal Ulster Academy and the Royal Hibernian Academy. Additionally, he exhibited his work at the Fine Arts Society in London and was an academician of the Ulster Academy of Arts. Through his paintings we can see that he had a simple golden rule, which was to ‘never try to improve on nature’. In 1923, an article in ‘The Studio’ said, ‘In the North the best men are, almost without exception, engrossed in landscape. They form a very distinct group whose work is characterised by typical racial traits. Their landscapes, though by no means emotional, are always most obviously sincere, closely observed, firmly and cleanly handled….’. This is of course referring to Craig.

Craig worked right up to his death in 1944 and a memorial exhibition was held in the Belfast Museum and Art Gallery. His work continues to be widely reproduced through the likes of posters and calendars and he has many followers due to his style of capturing the subject.

James Humbert Craig RHA RUA - Artwork currently for auction

There are currently 2 artwork(s) in ongoing auctions
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James Humbert Craig RHA RUA - Unsold artworks for sale

There are currently 1 unsold artwork(s) that are open to offers
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James Humbert Craig RHA RUA - Auction results

There have been 145 artwork(s) sold in previous auctions
  • MENDING NETS NEAR CUSHENDUN, CO. ANTRIM COAST by James Humbert Craig RHA RUA at Ross's Auctions
    MENDING NETS NEAR CUSHENDUN, CO. ANTRIM COAST Sale Date: 09 March 2016 Medium: Oil on Canvas Size: H 30" x W 54"
    Result: £19,000
  • Lot 159 by James Humbert Craig RHA RUA at Ross's Auctions
    Lot 159 Sale Date: 08 October 2008
    Result: £11,000
  • Lot 114 by James Humbert Craig RHA RUA at Ross's Auctions
    Lot 114 Sale Date: 03 March 2010
    Result: £8,500
  • Lot 230 by James Humbert Craig RHA RUA at Ross's Auctions
    Lot 230 Sale Date: 28 January 2009
    Result: £8,000
  • Lot 106 by James Humbert Craig RHA RUA at Ross's Auctions
    Lot 106 Sale Date: 11 March 2009
    Result: £7,000
  • Lot 282 by James Humbert Craig RHA RUA at Ross's Auctions
    Lot 282 Sale Date: 11 March 2009
    Result: £7,000
  • Lot 110 by James Humbert Craig RHA RUA at Ross's Auctions
    Lot 110 Sale Date: 07 December 2011
    Result: £6,500
  • Lot 219 by James Humbert Craig RHA RUA at Ross's Auctions
    Lot 219 Sale Date: 08 October 2008
    Result: £6,500
  • THE PRIME OF SUMMERTIME by James Humbert Craig RHA RUA at Ross's Auctions
    THE PRIME OF SUMMERTIME Sale Date: 23 June 2016 Medium: Oil on Board Size: H 12" x W 17"
    Result: £6,400
  • CUSHENDALL FAIR by James Humbert Craig RHA RUA at Ross's Auctions
    CUSHENDALL FAIR Sale Date: 25 February 2016 Medium: Oil on Board Size: H 12" x W 14"
    Result: £6,200
  • FISHING BOAT NEAR CUSHENDUN BAY, COUNTY ANTRIM by James Humbert Craig RHA RUA at Ross's Auctions
    FISHING BOAT NEAR CUSHENDUN BAY, COUNTY ANTRIM Sale Date: 30 January 2020 Medium: Oil on Canvas Size: H 18" x W 24"
    Result: £6,200
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