# Clutton — Of Human Bondage character guide

> Clutton in Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Clutton

**First appearance:** 0027-xxviii

## Snapshot

A painter in Philip's Paris studio whose sardonic indifference masks real talent, the one student Foinet bothers to praise and the one who refuses to care.

## Who they are

Clutton belongs to the shabby, argumentative set of art students around Mrs. Otter's studio, where reputations are made and unmade by the master's thumb. When Foinet grudgingly admits he is beginning to learn to draw, Clutton answers with his usual air of sardonic indifference to the world's opinion — a pose that is also a genuine armor. He shows Philip what seriousness about craft looks like without vanity, and his stubborn independence becomes one measure against which Philip tests his own wavering ambitions.

## Relationships

### [Philip Carey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/philip_carey)

_friendship_

A talented but bitter artist friend who rejects commercial success and later commits suicide.

### [Philip Carey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/philip_carey)

_friendship_

A talented but bitter artist friend who rejects commercial success and later commits suicide.

### [Philip Carey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/philip_carey)

_friendship_

A talented but bitter artist friend who rejects commercial success and later commits suicide.

## In the story

### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xl)

A cynical, impoverished student who dismisses the value of art schools and engages in banter with Miss Price.

### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xli)

Clutton is present at Gravier's, engaging in the art debate with a scornful demeanor.

### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xlii)

Clutton observes the scene with amusement and asks Cronshaw about Mallarmé, revealing his skepticism of Cronshaw's affectations.

### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xliii)

Clutton dryly comments on Lawson's avoidance of criticism.

### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xliv)

Mentioned as one of the artists whose criticism Philip learns from.

### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xlv)

Mentioned as also being influenced by Cronshaw, though he strains after individuality.

### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xlvii)

Clutton scorns Lawson's submitted works and has nothing ready for the Salon himself.

### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xlviii)

Clutton returns from Spain, criticizes Lawson's portrait, and speaks of a new artistic direction, having destroyed his previous work.

### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xlix)

Attends Fanny Price's funeral.

### [The Doubt of a Painter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/l)

Clutton argues for the artist's absolute commitment to vision, dismissing conventional morality and success, but Philip sees him as bitter and destined for failure.

### [LXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxiv)

Mentioned by Philip recalling a discourse on beauty and art from his Paris days.

### [LXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxv)

Has isolated himself in Gerona, Spain, after quarreling with friends; his artistic struggle is noted by Philip.

### [LXXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxxii)

Mentioned as having quarreled with everyone and living in obscurity in Paris.

### [LXXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxxvi)

Mentioned as having spent time in Toledo, connecting him to Athelny's past in Spain.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/clutton
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters