George Augustus Holmes | Playmates, 1875

George Augustus Holmes (British, 1822-1911) was a painter of genre scenes who exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1852-1909. He also exhibited at the British Institution, Grosvenor Gallery and the Paris Salon between 1906-1911; but most of his works were exhibited at Suffolk Street where he exhibited no less than 110 pieces.

The subjects of his paintings are usually scenes of everyday life, from farm labourers in the fields to cottage scenes, all beautifully observed. Very occasionally he turned his hand to important pieces, which are ingeniously composed, highly finished and especially natural.
The artist enjoyed tremendous popularity in his day. His works were much loved by his clients and increasingly gain widespread recognition throughout today's international market.