Holmes, James, the Elder

Introduction:

James Holmes the Elder was a gifted artist of the late 18th century. In the past collectors have more readily attributed silhouettes signed “J Holmes” to his son, as they do not perhaps compare to the standard of his other work. However, this opinion has been challenged by McKechnie.

James Holmes was born in Clerkenwell, London, 1777. Showing an exceptional ability for drawing, he became apprenticed to the French engraver R M Meadows. He went on to have a successful artistic career, known for his watercolours and oil paintings. James Holmes the Elder has not been known as a silhouette artist, with work signed “J Holmes” more commonly attributed to his son, also named James. However, McKechnie has suggested that James Holmes the Elder is equally likely to be the artist. Research has so far been unable to determine to whom “J Holmes” silhouettes should be attributed.

Three such pieces have been discovered. All are painted on card against a blue-grey background. Detail is generally good, though use of gum Arabic and gold paint is inconsistent. In particular the artist seems to have taken great care over the depiction of sitters’ dress; a woman’s pèlerine and fashionable `bishop' sleeve are painted in especially fine detail. The bust-line, however, is different on each example; from long, slanting line to a singular, double-looped concavity.