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This is a fine 19th century oil on canvas depicting a young girl alone in a dilapidated interior cradling an infant by the eminent Victorian Royal Academician Frank Holl R.A. (1845-1888), one of the most important British artists in history. ‘Little Mother’ is signed by the artist and dated 1880. It is sold in a fine quality newly commissioned bespoke gilt metal leaf frame.
As with all of the original antique oil paintings we sell it is offered in the very finest condition it can be for its age having been professionally cleaned and re-varnished.
Frank Holl was 15 when he became a student at the Royal Academy Schools. Whilst still a pupil he began producing the kind of provocative social realism paintings which were to become his trademark. Between 1864 and his premature death in 1888, Holl exhibited 87 paintings at the Royal Academy in London and was elected a Royal Academician in 1883.
Vincent van Gogh – today arguably the most famous painter in the world – considered Frank Holl to be a Master, and whilst living in London fastidiously cut out and collected Holl’s engravings published in The Graphic. Everyone even remotely interested in art should take some time to read the fascinating letters of Van Gogh (sent to his brother Theo and friend Anthon van Rappard). One name mentioned reverentially again and again is that of Frank Holl.
Dimensions: (framed) 74cm x 64m (29” x 25”)
Dimensions: (canvas only) 56cm x 45cm (22” x 18”)
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Provenance: Private UK collection.
Presentation: Fine gold metal leaf swept frame.
Condition: Excellent. Newly professionally cleaned and re-varnished. Ready to hang.