Clara Montalba facts for kids

Decorative page by Clara Montalba

Clara Federica Montalba (born August 2, 1840 – died August 14, 1929) was a talented British artist. She was best known for her beautiful watercolor paintings, especially those showing scenes of Venice, Italy.

Clara was the oldest of four sisters, and all of them became successful artists. Their father, Anthony Rubens Montalba, was also an artist. Clara was probably the most famous of the four sisters. She showed her artwork at the Grosvenor Gallery in London between 1879 and 1889.

Clara was also an early supporter of women's rights. In 1886, a famous leader named Millicent Garrett Fawcett said Clara was one of twenty successful women who strongly supported the movement for women's equality. In 1892, because of her amazing artistic skills, Clara was invited to join the Royal Watercolour Society. She passed away in Venice in 1929.

Early Life of a Young Artist

Clara Montalba was born in Cheltenham, England, on August 2, 1840. Her father, Anthony Rubens Montalba, was an artist from Sweden, and her mother was Emeline Davies. Clara was the first of their four daughters.

Clara's Artistic Journey

Clara and her three younger sisters, Ellen, Hilda Montalba, and Henrietta, all became well-known artists. Clara studied art in Paris with a teacher named Eugene Isabey. Later, her family moved to Venice, Italy, where she continued her studies at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia.

In 1871, records show that Clara and her sisters were living in London. They were all listed as artists. The Montalba sisters often showed their paintings at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in the 1870s.

Clara's art became famous around the world. She had exhibitions in Europe and America. She was especially good at painting with watercolors. Many of her most famous paintings show scenes from Venice, where her family lived for a long time.

In 1893, Clara Montalba showed her artwork at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. Her paintings were displayed in the Palace of Fine Arts and The Woman's Building.

Clara was considered the most successful of the Montalba sisters. In 1892, she was honored by being accepted into the Royal Watercolour Society. This was a big achievement for an artist.

Between 1879 and 1889, Clara showed many of her Venetian paintings at the Grosvenor Gallery. These artworks truly captured the special feeling and look of life in Venice.

Supporting Women's Rights

Clara Montalba was an early supporter of women's rights. In 1886, she was recognized by Millicent Garrett Fawcett, a leader in the women's rights movement. Clara was named as one of twenty successful women who gave strong support to the cause of equality for women.

Friends with Royalty

Clara and her sister Henrietta were friends with Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll. Princess Louise was also an artist. The sisters even spent time with the Princess in Canada, where they painted beautiful landscapes together.

Princess Louise married the Marquess of Lorne in 1878. He soon became the Governor General of Canada. This meant Princess Louise became his Viceregal Consort. They arrived in Halifax on November 25, 1878, and left Canada on October 27, 1883.

Images for kids

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  Fisherfolk before the Doges, Palace, 1877

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  A Dutch Windmill, 1885, Aberdeen Art Gallery

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  London Bridge, Aberdeen Art Gallery

Later Life and Passing

Clara Montalba passed away in Venice, Italy, in 1929.