Francis Holman (1729 - c1790)

English, 1729 - 1790

BiographyFrancis Holman was born in Ramsgate and his father (also Francis) was a master mariner as was his younger brother John. Holman seems to have initially started as ship portraitist working on commissions by ship's captains and general maritime scenes that show a level of detail and knowledge that is not surprising considering his upbringing.

Holman had moderate success in his lifetime, considering he exhibited at the British Royal Academy and had an apprentice, Thomas Luny. However, it is really only in later years that his reputation of accuracy has been fully appreciated.

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