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Gilbert Holiday
Hunting and falling of by a lake

About the Item

Gilbert Joseph Holiday (1879-1937) was a British painter renowned for his exceptional ability to capture the dynamism and elegance of horses in motion. Born in London on January 29, 1879, he was the son of Sir Frederick Holiday and the nephew of artist Henry Holiday, a painter and stained-glass designer. His mother was a watercolourist. Holiday's early exposure to the Royal Horse Artillery, where he observed horses and troops, fuelled his passion for equestrian subjects. He studied at the Royal Academy of Art from 1897 to 1902, honing his skills in various mediums, including charcoal, pencil, oils, pastels, and watercolour. In the early 20th century, Holiday began producing commercial illustrations for magazines such as The Strand, The Tatler, and The Illustrated London News. His artistic talents were further recognized during World War I, where he served as a gunner in the Royal Field Artillery on the Western Front. His reconnaissance duties involved sketching enemy positions in No Man's Land, experiences that influenced his later works. Post-war, Holiday focused on painting sporting scenes, particularly those involving horses. He became famous for his paintings of national racing events such as the Grand National and The Derby. His works also depicted hunting, polo, coaching, and working horses. Holiday's ability to convey movement and emotion through his art earned him recognition as one of the outstanding equestrian artists of his day. In 1932, while hunting with the Woolwich Draghounds, Holiday suffered a severe fall from his horse, resulting in injuries that necessitated the use of a wheelchair. Despite his physical limitations, he continued to paint, producing the only book he both wrote and illustrated: We’ll All Go A’Hunting Today. He passed away on January 8, 1937, after contracting pneumonia. "Fox Hunting by the Lake" In the foreground, the legs and part of the body of a horse that appears to have fallen are visible, adding a dramatic element to the scene. The riders, dressed in traditional hunting attire, navigate their horses around the lake, with the landscape providing a tranquil backdrop to the action. Holiday's use of pastel allows for soft blending of colours, capturing the movement and energy of the hunt while maintaining the calmness of the natural setting. The fallen horse in the foreground serves as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in the sport, highlighting the artist's ability to convey both the excitement and the challenges of fox hunting. This piece exemplifies Holiday's mastery in portraying equestrian scenes, showcasing his skill in capturing the grace and dynamism of horses and riders in action.
  • Creator:
    Gilbert Holiday (1879 - 1937, British)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17.52 in (44.5 cm)Width: 18.9 in (48 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Frame Included
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 421stDibs: LU2841216338372

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