Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
American, 1904-2000
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success that was nearly unprecedented among Cleveland School artists of his day, with representation by major New York dealers, scores of awards and solo exhibits, and streams of praise flowing from pens of the top art critics. Over the course of his 60+ year career Carter evolved from an exceptionally fine American Scene painter capable of evoking deep reservoirs of mood, into an abstractionist with a strongly surrealist bent.
While his two bodies of work seem at first to be worlds apart, owing to their different formal vocabularies, they, in fact, explore virtually the same subject: the nexus between life and death and the transition from earth to spirit. The early work finds its expressive power through specific people, events, and landscapes—most of which are drawn from his experiences growing up in the river town of Portsmouth, Ohio—while the later work from the 1960s on evokes potent states of being through pure flat shape, color and form that read as universals. As his primary form he adopted the ovoid or egg shape, endowing it with varying degrees of transparency. Alone or in multiples, the egg moves through Carter’s landscapes and architectural settings like a sentient spirit on a restless quest.
Born and raised in southern Ohio along the banks of the mercurial Ohio River and its treacherous floods, Carter developed a love of drawing as a child, and was encouraged by both his parents. He was self-directed, found inspiration all around him, and was strongly encouraged by the fact that his teenage work consistently captured art prizes in county and state fairs. Carter studied at the Cleveland School of Art from 1923-27, where he trained under painters Henry Keller, Frank Wilcox and Paul Travis.
Returning to Cleveland in 1929, Carter had his first solo show, and through Milliken taught studio classes at the Cleveland Museum of Art from 1930-37. In 1938, he moved to Pittsburgh to teach at the Carnegie Institute of Technology until 1944. Carter’s American Scene paintings of the ’30s and ’40s, which launched his artistic star, are the works for which the artist remains best known.
During and immediately after World War II, Clarence Carter realized his attraction to bold pattern, dramatic perspective and eye-catching hard-edged design was a poor fit with the prevailing style of Abstract Expressionism. Fortunately, these same hallmarks of his style were prized within the realm of commercial art.
Around 1964 Carter acknowledged a need to break from the confines of representational painting. Once Carter had found a potent symbol in the egg, he used it to create an astounding body of imagery for the rest of his life. Among the most ambitious of all his later paintings were his Transections, a theological term meaning to cross, specifically between life and death.to
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Ablaze, Ovoid Faces Looking Through Geometrical Windows
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Ablaze, 1973-79
Acrylic and collage on scintilla
Signed and dated lower left
30 x 22 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Torso No. 1, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Acrylic Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Torso No. 1, 1967
Acrylic on paper
Signed and dated upper right
15 x10 inches
24 x 20 inches, framed
A mid-century figural abstract painting.
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success that was nearly unprecedented among Cleveland School artists of his day, with representation by major New York dealers...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
In and Out, mid-century figural abstract vibrant yellow geometric painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
In and Out, 1963
Acrylic on paper
Signed and dated lower right
22 x 30 inches
Figural abstract vibrant yellow geometric painting.
Cl...
Category
1960s Abstract Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Medieval Heads, mid-century figural surrealist acrylic painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Cicada, c. 1960s
Watercolor on scintilla
30 x 20 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success that wa...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
National City Bank of New York, 55 Wall Street, Painting by Clarence Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
A watercolor painting by Clarence Holbrook Carter circa 1950. Carter's modernist style utilizes strong structural lines and architectural aesthetics to form almost surreal-like scene...
Category
1950s Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Paper, Watercolor
Green Mandala, Silkscreen by Clarence Holbrook Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Green Mandala
Year: 1969
Medium: Screenprint on Scintilla paper, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 75
Paper Size:...
Category
1970s Abstract Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
Ovoid, geometrical figural surrealist acrylic painting, Cleveland School artist
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Ovoid, 1992
Acrylic on canvas
Signed and dated lower right
7.75 x 7.75 inches
9 x 9 inches, framed
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a...
Category
1990s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Eschatos #28, Surreal Landscape Serigraph by Clarence Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Eschatos 28
Year: 1977
Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 200, 30 AP
Size: 26 in. x 34 in. (66....
Category
1970s Surrealist Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
Entr'acte - Mid-Century Ovoids in Theatre - Geometrical Abstract Pastel
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Entr'acte, 1977
Pastel on board
Signed and dated lower right
8 x 10 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract painting.
Clare...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Pastel
Double Ovoids, Mid-Century Blue & Black Figurative Abstract Ovoids
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Double Ovoids with Blue and Black, 1960s
Acrylic on scintilla
15.25 x 12.25 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract painting....
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Transection w/ Architectural Forms, Geometrical Figurative Abstract Acrylic
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Transection with Architectural Forms, c. 1980s
Acrylic and graphite on board
12 x 20 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract ...
Category
1980s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic, Graphite
Seeing Egg, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic painting, Figural Abstract
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Seeing Egg, c. 1960s
Acrylic on textured paper
30 x 22 inches
38.5 x 30.5 inches, framed
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract pai...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Still Life with Apples and Skull, Figurative Oil Painting by Ohio Artist
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Still Life with Apples, 1940
Oil on canvas
Signed and dated upper right
18 x 24 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success that was nearly unprecedented among Cleveland School artists of his day, with representation by major New York dealers...
Category
1940s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Oil
Acrobats, Signed Modern Screenprint by Clarence Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Acrobats
Clarence Holbrook Carter
American (1904–2000)
Date: 1979
Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: AP 30
Size: 40 x 22 in. (101.6 x 55.88 cm)
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
Early Spring Landscape, Signed Lithograph by Clarence Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Early Spring Landscape
Clarence Holbrook Carter
American (1904–2000)
Date: 1979
Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition of AP 30
Image Size: 18 x 25 inches
Size: 21 x 29 ...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Lithograph
Carousel by the Sea, Signed Lithograph by Clarence Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Carousel
Year: 1979
Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 200, 30 AP
Size: 26 in. x 31.5 in. (66....
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Lithograph
The Gold Coast, Mid-Century Pastel Pink & Green Painting of Ovoid, Miami
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
The Gold Coast, 1979
Collage and acrylic on scintilla
Signed and dated lower right
22 x 30 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Vetriculus, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic painting, Figural Abstract work on paper
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Vetriculus, c. 1970s
Acrylic on paper
4.5 x 3.5 inches
11 x 10 inches, framed
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract painting.
Cl...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Expanding Mandala, Black and Orange Abstract Oval Mid-Century Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Expanding Mandala, c. 1970s
Acrylic on scintilla
23 x 30 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success...
Category
1970s Abstract Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Rainbow Mandala, Mid Century Abstract Red and Yellow Acrylic Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Rainbow Mandala, 1983
Acrylic on scintilla
Signed and dated lower right
30 x 22 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of na...
Category
1980s Abstract Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Blue and Red Space
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Blue and Red Space
Ilk Screen, 1971
Signed and dated lower right (see photo)
editioned lower left (see photo)
Edition: 75 (75/75)
Sheet size: 22 1/8 x 29 7/8"
Image: 21-7/8 x 29-5/8"...
Category
1970s Op Art Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
Tulip, Surrealist Screenprint by Clarence Holbrook Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Tulip
Year: 1978
Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 200
Paper Size: 35 x 25.75 inches
Category
1970s Surrealist Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
Pipeline
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
A watercolor painting by Clarence Holbrook Carter from 1955. Carter's modernist style utilizes strong structural lines and architectural aesthetics to form almost surreal-like scenes...
Category
1950s Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Paper, Gouache
OLIVE TREES, CAPRI
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Portland, ME
Carter, Clarence Holbrook (American, 1904-2000). OLIVE TREES, CAPRI. Aquatint in colors, 1932. Titled,signed and dated in pencil. 5 1/2 x 6 7/8 inches (plat...
Category
1930s Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Aquatint
Homestead, Lithograph by Clarence Holbrook Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Homestead
Year: 1979
Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 200, AP 30
Size: 23 in. x 29 in. (58....
Category
1970s American Realist Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Lithograph
Joseph and His Brothers, Surrealist Screenprint by Clarence Holbrook Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Joseph and his Brothers
Year: 1971
Medium: Screenprint on Scintilla paper, sign...
Category
1970s Abstract Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
Colorful Geometric Abstract, Silkscreen by Clarence Holbrook Carter 1971
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Untitled - Faces in a Grid (Red)
Year: 1971
Medium: Screenprint on Scintilla paper, Signed and numbered in pencil
Edit...
Category
1970s Abstract Geometric Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
Mandalas, Silkscreen by Clarence Holbrook Carter 1973
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Untitled (Mandalas in a Grid)
Year: 1973
Medium: Silkscreen on Scintilla paper, Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition:...
Category
1970s Abstract Geometric Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
Transection I, Silkscreen by Clarence Carter 1971
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Transection I
Year: 1971
Medium: Screenprint on Scintilla paper, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 75
Paper Size:...
Category
1970s Op Art Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
Abstract Tulip, 1979 by Clarence Holbrook Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Abstract Tulip
Year: 1979
Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 200
Paper Size: 35 x 26 inches (88...
Category
1970s Surrealist Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
"Concentric Space (White)", Screenprint by Clarence Holbrook Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Concentric Space (White)
Year: 1969
Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 50
Size: 29 x 22 inches
Category
1960s Op Art Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
Clowns Making Up, Lithograph by Clarence Holbrook Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Clowns Making Up
Year: 1979
Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 200, AP 30
Image Size: 19 x 23....
Category
1970s Contemporary Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Lithograph
House Key, 1956 Watercolor by Clarence Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
A watercolor painting by Clarence Holbrook Carter from 1956. Carter's modernist style utilizes strong structural lines and architectural aesthetics to form almost surreal-like scenes. Signed on lower right corner, framed in elegant silver wooden frame.
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 1998)
Title: House Key...
Category
1950s Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Watercolor
Fiery Furnace, Surrealist Screenprint by Clarence Holbrook Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Fiery Furnace
Year: 1978
Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 200, AP 30
Paper Size: 35 x 26 inc...
Category
1970s Surrealist Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
The Watcher, Surrealist Screenprint by Clarence Holbrook Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: The Watcher
Year: 1977
Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 200, 30 AP...
Category
1970s Surrealist Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
Chrysanthemums and Tiger Lilies
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Chrysanthemums and Tiger Lilies
Signed and dated lower left (twice), see photo
Watercolor on paper, 1935
A symbol of the sun, the Japanese consider the or...
Category
1930s Realist Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Watercolor
Maze, 20th Century Geometric Figurative Abstract Acrylic Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Maze, 1982
Acrylic on cardboard
Signed and dated upper right
7 x 9.5 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract painting.
Clar...
Category
1980s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
In the Window, Ovoid Shapes Floating Through Windows
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
In the Window, 1973
Acrylic and collage on scintilla
Signed and dated lower right
30 x 22 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abs...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
City Scape, Ovoid Geometrical Abstract Green & Brown Structures
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
City Scape, 1978
Acrylic on scintilla
Signed and dated lower right
30 x 22 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract painting....
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Transection No. 3, Ovoid Geometrical Figural Abstract Neon Acrylic Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Transection No. 3, 1972
Acrylic on paper
Signed and dated upper right
30 x 22 inches
Provenance: Collection of William H. Milliken
Cl...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Terror of History No. 1, Mid-Century Abstract Acrylic & Sand, Blue and Yellow
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Terror of History No. 1, 1962
Acrylic and sand on scintilla
Signed and dated upper left
23 x 30 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success that was nearly unprecedented among Cleveland School artists of his day, with representation by major New York dealers...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Departing from the System, Mid-Century Geometrical Abstract Mixed Media
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Departing from the System, 1961
Mixed media on paper
Signed and dated lower right
36 x 24 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abst...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Mixed Media
Pinnacle, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic painting, Blue & Red Figural Abstract Collage
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Pinnacle, c. 1960s
Acrylic and collage on scintilla
22 x 8 inches
23.25 x 9 inches, framed
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract p...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Vetriculus Egg, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic and collage painting, Figural Abstract
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Vetriculus Egg, 1965
Acrylic and collage on textured paper
Signed and dated lower right
30 x 22 inches
A surrealist mid-century figura...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Torso No. 3, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Acrylic Painting, Ohio artist
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Torso No. 3, 1967
Acrylic on paper
Signed and dated lower right
13 x 9 inches
21 x 17 inches
A mid-century figural abstract painting.
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success that was nearly unprecedented among Cleveland School artists of his day, with representation by major New York dealers...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Green and Red Mandala, Abstract Oval Painting by Ohio Artist Clarence Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Green and Red Mandala, 1969
Acrylic on scintilla
Signed and dated lower right
24.75 x 18 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a l...
Category
1960s Abstract Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Acrylic
Villa by The Sea, Surrealist Screenprint by Clarence Holbrook Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Arches
Year: 1979
Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 200, 30 AP
Size: 35 in. x 26 in. (88.9 cm ...
Category
1970s Surrealist Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Screen
"Concentric Space (Silver)", Silkscreen by Clarence Holbrook Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000)
Title: Concentric Space (Silver)
Year: 1969
Medium: Silkscreen on foil paper, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 50
Image...
Category
1960s Op Art Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Materials
Foil
Clarence Holbrook Carter art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Clarence Holbrook Carter available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of blue, red, orange and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Clarence Holbrook Carter in paint, acrylic paint, synthetic resin paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Clarence Holbrook Carter, so small editions measuring 8 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Louisa Chase, Will Barnet, and John Taylor Arms. Clarence Holbrook Carter prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $500 and tops out at $65,000, while the average work can sell for $8,500.