George Augustus Holmes
d. 1911
George Augustus Holmes was a renowned Victorian genre painter. Little has been written about his early life, indeed the exact date of his birth remains unknown. We do know that he began exhibiting at the Royal Academy in 1852 and at that time he lived with his brother Edward, who was also an artist, at 152 Sloane Square. They both moved to 62 Cheyne Walk in 1870.George exhibited many paintings at the Royal Academy throughout his life. He also showed at the Royal Society of British Artists, the British Institute and the Royal Society of British Artists of Birmingham.
Holmes was a talented and popular artist who painted subjects which were very appealing to the Victorian public. He was very skilful in his treatment of figures and animals and in this highly decorative work we see the artist’s work at its best. The subject is an elegant young lady returning from her morning ride on her favourite pony being welcomed home by her adoring and loyal dog. The elegance and beauty of the figure reminds us of works by Tissot and the artist’s technical accomplishment is apparent.
Holmes lived and worked in London until his death in 1911.