Francis Holman (1729 - 1784)

Francis Holman

Francis Holman is a British marine artist.

His father was a sea captain in a port town, and the future artist was surrounded by the world of shipping and navigation from childhood. Holman was first commissioned by captains to depict their ships, and then he began to create paintings of shipyards and general life in maritime Britain in the late eighteenth century. He also painted several patriotic paintings of naval battles during the American War of Independence.

Today, Holman's art is appreciated for what it is. His attention to detail and intimate knowledge of his subject make up a valuable record of eighteenth-century maritime life.

Francis Holman's student Thomas Looney later became a major marine artist.