Figure 1.--Holl often included children in his paintings,, but Holl rarely used his children as models. Nina (his third daughter) did appear in two paintings, including the one here --'Did you ever kill anyone father?' (1883). It was somewhat of an accident. Holl brought Nina alone while he was painting a portrait of Field Marshall Lord Wolsely. He posed in full uniform which of course included the regimental sword.

Frank Holl is described as social relist. Holl was born in London (1845) The family included noted engravers, which provided entry into Britaib's art world. The family was also politically oriented, steadfast Socialists. His family instilled in him the duty to change society for working people. This of course was imprtant, but interestingly artists refuse to address how capaitalism has improved the lives od workong people. Holl began painted genre pictures, including some that depicted social evils of Victorin age. This makes him of interest to hisorians seeking relaistic, if imagined, images of the era. Two of the most famous include 'The deserter' (1875) and 'Newgate-committed for trial' (1878). The latter as a grim social document focused on debtor prisons. Such paintings of course did not sell well. A small fraction of the British public would want such images hanging in their parlor? This was purchased by a reforming philantropist, but not for his home. It was hung in Royal Holloway College. One of his last efforts at social reality was 'Home again' (1881) depicting what he saw as the human cost of Britain's imperial adventures. Continuing his concern with war was, "Did you ever kill anybody father?" (1883) (figure 1). Given Britain's huge Empire, we some times forget that there was a huge debate in Britain over imprialism. To improve his market ability, he changed his subject matter and began painting portraits. He became a leading portaitis of the mid-Victoprian era. He painted many of the leading figures of the period, including Chamberlain, Gladstone, Joseph, Leverhume, and Prince of Wales (Edward VII). He also painted a portrait of fellow, but more sucessful artist Millais, who is reported to have commentedm that Holl was a ‘nice man,’ but applied too much paint. Holl himself was a humble Holl mam seems to have veen overawed by the Millais and his grand living style that finamcial success afforded. Holl was admitted to the ARA (1878)amd became a full memnber (1882). Millais sacrine images are in sharp contrast Holl's gritty reality. Holl became ARA in 1878, and a full RA in 1882. Holl has been described as a 'rather nervous character. And the shift to portrait painting while paying off financially seems to have impacted his mental state. Family members are conviunced that it contributed to his his decling health and premature death.

Created: 10:20 PM 4/28/2026
Last updated: 10:20 PM 4/28/2026