Red Grouse

TOM HOLD

19^th Century

English School 

Red Grouse 

Oil on canvas, signed and dated 80

45.7 x 61 cms

18 x 24 inches

This skilful painter, principally of birds, was a younger brother of the bird and nature painter Abel Hold who was based in Cawthorne, Yorkshire from 1852 near Barnsley. His style is similar to that of his older brother and to that of a third painter brother, Ben.

Abel exhibited at the Royal Academy, British Institute and the Royal Society of British Artists but Tom and Ben, who also painted birds and bird's nest still life, did not exhibit at the public exhibitions. Presumably they obtained enough work from private commission work.

The landscapes are convincing and well observed and the birds are portrayed realistically which suggests not only a competent draughtsman but also somebody who knew his subject matter well through close study.